Manitou MLB625T: front telescopic loader, rear dipper and control differences

MLB625T combines a telescopic front with a separate backhoe

The MANIHOE brochure shows why this machine does not fit a simple comparison with a conventional loader-backhoe. Its front telescopic boom carries forks or a quick-coupled bucket, while the rear attachment has a separate digging arm and sideshift carriage. A front-fork capacity is not a rear-backhoe lifting rating.

Manitou's rear-equipment table separates the standard dipper from the extendible version. The longer dipper gains digging depth and reach but has a lower listed lifting capacity and lower dipper tear-out force. Bucket tear-out force has its own row.

A seller's claim of “extendible” should identify the rear dipper, since the front boom telescopes on the basic machine.

The brochure also gives rear reach from two different origins: the rear axle and the slew center. These measurements differ substantially. Comparing an axle-based reach with another machine's pivot-based reach would credit the MLB with distance that comes from its own chassis geometry.

The December 2004 sheet specifies torque-converter transmission with four forward and four reverse gears, limited-slip differentials and wet multidisc brakes on both axles. Its hydraulic flow divider gives priority to braking and steering. The quoted combined pump output therefore does not establish what a breaker can receive at the rear connection.

Source: Original Manitou MLB625T 700056EN brochure, front equipment, standard/extendible rear tables and drive specifications.

Controls and equipment to identify on a used MANIHOE

The March 2005 Series 1-E2 manual covers Turbo, Confort and EX combinations separately. EX identifies the extendible rear dipper in its control descriptions. The spring-return foot control for that extension is distinct from the front boom's hydraulic controls and transmission cut-off.

Match the machine plate and fitted controls before choosing a manual section.

The manual offers front-wheel, crab and opposite-direction four-wheel steering, each with an indicator. Its selection instructions require aligned wheels. The backhoe sideshift is a further movement, with its own hydraulic lock; a crab-steering indicator does not confirm that the rear carriage is secured.

Road-travel preparation includes dedicated locks and straps for the rear equipment. The manual identifies a backhoe locking pin, stabilizer straps and a connection between the brake pedals. These are specific items to account for during an inspection, alongside the load-chart file and attachment identification.

For the optional hydraulic-hammer preparation, Manitou says the valve is not adjusted at the factory. Required flow and pressure must follow the attachment supplier's specification and the manufacturer's setup procedure. The manual also calls for the extendible dipper to be mechanically locked during hammer use.

Confirm the correct equipment and documentation before commissioning an attachment.

Source: Original Manitou 547878EN, March 1, 2005, Series1-E2 identification, steering, transport locks and hammer preparation.