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Manitou - ML reviews

4.3
Average score of Manitou
24 reviews
3.9
3.9 Price
4.4
4.4 Reliability
4.2
4.2 Maintenance
4.4
4.4 Operation
4.6
4.6 Convenience
Search results: 24 reviews
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4.2
Forklift Manitou MLT
2013 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
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I've always used different telehandlers, tried out the Manitou MLT 937 recently on a friend's dairy. First thing, the controls are super responsive, hydraulic pump manages loads fine-I was lifting grain and moving pallet forks without much drama. The optional LED lights are actually useful once it gets dark (really wish more machines started making this standard). Didn't try too many attachments, but it's set up for a ton of stuff, makes things less of a hassle when you swap out. Heat/AC was alright but took a bit to really get going on a cold morning. Can't say I loved the yellow steps and extra handles, they kinda stand out but do make getting in with muddy boots easier. Maintenance-wise, haven't dealt with it personally, but automatic greasing sounds like a smart move if it'll cut down on downtime.
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4.4
Telehandler Manitou MLT 735
2012 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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I've had the chance to operate the MLT 735, and overall, it's a solid telehandler. The 7m reach combined with a 3.5-ton lift capacity comes in handy for most tasks. The LED front work lights are a nice feature for working into the evening. I've noticed a slight fade near the exhaust and a couple of scratches on the body-not ideal, but nothing that affects functionality. Air conditioning makes a big difference for comfort. After using it for a few projects, I'd give it a thumbs-up, but it does have some small nicks.
4.4
Forklift Manitou MLT
2011 Year
4.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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Been running the new MLT 7:30 for a few weeks at the farm. First thing I noticed was how easy it is to get the cab, especially if you jump in and out a lot during the day. The visibility is pretty good, feels safer when moving stuff around the yard. The boom height actually surprised me, gets those bales up high no problem. Engine feels strong too, don't feel like I'm pushing it hard even with bigger loads. Only thing, wish the display and some controls were a little more simple, had to get used to em. Overall, machine's compact for tight spaces, definitely fits through our smaller sheds easier than the last telehandler we had.
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4.2
Forklift Manitou MLT
2013 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
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Had my hands on the MLT X 737 for a while working with different attachments, mostly lifting and hauling. Swapping tools is a breeze, that easy connect really works, saves me a bunch of time. I found the engine and hydraulics strong enough, even when I work close to its max lift. The power shift transmission makes life easier - just pushing buttons for gears instead of fighting levers. Only thing, it's not the fastest machine you'll ever use, especially with a full load, but you get used to that. Two modes (auto/manual) are also a plus, since sometimes you want more control. Haven’t had any real breakdowns so far. Would call it reliable, but haven't pushed it through a full season yet to know for sure.
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4.4
Forklift Manitou MLT
2012 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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Had a chance to use the Manitou MLT x 741 140 VI Plus on the farm all season. The cab is super quiet, which is not something you see a lot in this class. My back used to get sore after a day in other loaders but that seat with pneumatic suspension is actually decent, even on long days. Controls are all mostly on the armrest, and I do like how the joystick works with one hand so I can keep my other hand on the wheel. Only small annoyance is the buttons: they got all these colors and positions you can change, which is cool, but feels complicated at first if you’re not used to these new ones. The view from the cab is solid, especially with the big windshield and mirrors. Haven't had issues with storage - plenty of spots to jam your stuff in. If you ask me, it’s a comfortable place to spend hours in, as long as you don’t mind learning all the controls.
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4.4
Forklift Manitou MLT
2011 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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Been driving the MLT 732 for 200+ hours so far, and nothing major has gone wrong. I heard some guys complain about lack of multi-action switching like on newer units, but after a week you forget about that. I just wish the joystick felt a little less clunky sometimes, but really, it's manageable. I dig how much easier it is to get stuff up high or in tight spaces, you wouldn't do half these jobs with the old kit. Swapping forks or the bucket is quick enough, I don't waste much time in between jobs, and the view all around is decent except for when you stack all the way up - the mirrors do help though. Not perfect, but mostly hassle-free so far.
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4.2
Forklift Manitou MLT
2014 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
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We’ve got one of the Manitou MLT telehandlers in the ag spec with the Powershift box. It’ll do 40 km/h on the road so moving between yards isn’t a pain. The three steering modes are what I use most: 2-wheel for travel, 4-wheel in the yard, crab when you’re trying not to clip stuff alongside a wall. You do have to straighten the wheels to switch modes, which is sensible, but it slows you down a bit when you’re in a rush.

Hydraulics feel strong. Variable pump, around the 150 L/min mark, so it’s happy doing lift + extend + tilt without that lag. The quick coupler and the easy-connect pressure dump is a real thing too, hookups don’t turn into a fight with the lines.

Maintenance side: access is decent. Engine on the side, covers open up, filters make sense, and they grouped grease points at the rear which saves time. The reversing fan for radiator cleaning is handy in dusty work, I run it forced sometimes when it’s chaff season.

I’m mixed on the cab electronics. The screen gives you lots of info (service reminders, codes, settings) but when something pops up red you’re basically calling the dealer anyway.
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4.4
Forklift Manitou MLT
2018 Year
4.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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For daily farm jobs, I think this Manitou gets you sorted without much fluff. Hydraulics have all the flow I need, haven’t had any issues with that. I actually like the pressure release button in the cab, saves a lot of headache connecting attachments. I don’t really haul trailers with it, but towing light stuff isn’t a drama. Controls are simple enough, but yeah, like any telehandler you sort of feel like you’re in a fishbowl with all the glass. Cab’s roomy, A/C works, no complaints there. Wouldn’t call the loader dirt cheap, but you get what you pay for and I haven’t had to call out for any serious fixes yet. Guess it could always be a bit quicker on the road but for my paddock work, it’s sweet.
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4.0
Forklift Manitou MLT
2012 Year
3.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
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I've been on all sorts of loaders and this MLT X 737 took a bit to get used to with all the digital displays everywhere. The info is handy-lets you know if something's overheating or whatnot, but honestly, there's so many flashing icons at times I had to double check the manual to figure it out. Performance is strong, lifts whatever we put under it, and the reversing fan works wonders for keeping the radiator clear in summer, don't need to clean it out as often. Storage slots all over the cab, which I use more than I thought I would. Not super thrilled about the price tag, and I do think it’s a lot of electronics for a loader, but it gets the job done and has held up fine through a busy silage season.
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4.0
Forklift Manitou MLT
2013 Year
3.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
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Tested out the Manitou MLT X 737 130 PS Plus for a couple of weeks now on big feed jobs and loader work. Gotta admit the cab is proper quiet - I can actually hear my phone ring for once, that's a big plus. Seat’s comfy and adjustable, so my back doesn’t scream at me after long shifts, which isn't the case with older machines I used. Controls are chunky, easy to find, even got little lights so you don’t panic looking for them in low light. My one gripe is some of the buttons feel too complicated for what they do, takes a while to get used to all the colours and lights. Besides that, didn’t spot any huge faults. Not cheap, but you get lots of tech and that new cab for your cash, so can’t really knock it.
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