Core Work
The no-frills MT 6642T tackles heavy jobs.
Editor’s Note: The following review of the Manitou MT 6642T telehandler is the first installment of the 2008 Lift and Access Equipment Showcase series, which features 6,000- to 7,000-pound pick-and-place telehandlers with 41- to 44-foot lift heights and 19-foot narrow electric scissor lifts. A video of the full machine walk-around made at the October 2008 event in
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February 10, 2009 – Manitou’s MT 6642T is what Manitou North America, Waco, Texas, considers the heart of the construction lift-and-place product line. The MT 6642T is a Spartan, bare-bones utilitarian product aimed at contractors and rental operators. Based on the notion that the machine has been designed to lift palletized materials to increased heights, the boom features a smaller gooseneck and a different attachment system than Manitou’s ground-engaging products.
The high-pivot boom on the MT 6642T is mounted close to cab level to provide improved visibility to the rear of the machine. With four plates welded together to create the box boom design, boom strength comes from the thicker specked top and bottom plates. The boom is elevated by dual lift cylinders. Although the extension cylinder is internal, which Manitou says provides better protection, the hydraulic hoses are housed in a fully enclosed external carrier. The extension cylinder can be accessed through a rear plate.
Manitou MT 6642T Showcase Presentation
Additionally, the valve blocks for all hydraulics are protected in a compartment located at the rear of the chassis just behind the counterweight. Everything is located within the beefy frame of the machine. “On jobsites, people occasionally back or bump into things, so we try to minimize any potential for damage,†says Ryan Ford, product specialist for Manitou North America.
The hydraulic hoses for the boom are housed in a fully enclosed external carrier.
A Tier 2-compliant 99-hp John Deere 4045T diesel engine is currently standard on the MT 6642T; a Tier 3-compliant 115-hp John Deere 4045T is optional. The 99-hp engine will be replaced with a Tier 3 version soon. The machine features Dana Spicer axles and a Dana T12000 powershift transmission with three speeds forward and reverse. The rear axle stabilization system and 10° frame leveling are standard. On the RAS system, any time the boom is elevated above 60°, the axle locks, the brake is set, and the transmission shifts into neutral.
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The engine on the MT 6642T is located mid-frame and inline. It can be accessed through two sliding panels, or with a little extra effort, the entire cover can be removed for full access to the engine. Toward the front of the chassis is the transmission’s access door where the well-hidden, very secure hydraulic tank can be found. This negates the potential risk of mixing it up with the fuel fill point located along the side of the frame opposite the cab. Also on the side of the frame is the battery box and a small tool storage area. Outriggers are available as an option, which provide additional stability and allow for the maximum forward reach capacity to be doubled in some reach configurations. The frame comes ready for outriggers to be field-installed.
The single standard fender prevents mud from being slung into the cab.
According to Ford, the MT 6642T’s cab has everything you need and nothing more. A suspension seat is optional, and a fully enclosed cab with heater is also available. Boom functions are controlled by twin pilot-operated fully proportional joysticks. The joystick closest to the seat operates boom up/down and extend/retract. The front joystick runs tilt and frame leveling.
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Although it is manual, the quick-attach system only requires the operator to climb out of the cab once to change attachments. Once manually released, the locking plate automatically secures the attachment in place as the gooseneck is curled, or rotated, back perpendicular to the ground. Auxiliary hydraulics is an option, as well as attachments such as tilt and swing carriages and an auger.
Options on the MT 6642T include a fully enclosed cab, work platform safety system, and a radio remote control option for fully proportional movements of the boom to operate up/down and telescope in/out, as well as to start and stop the machine.
To download a complete set of factory specifications, click here.
Lift and Access perspective: While Manitou is best known for its ground engaging/tool handling machines the MT 6642 allows it to participate in the larger pick-and-place North American market. Anyone considering this product needs to keep in mind that this is not designed to perform the same tasks as Manitou’s ground engaging/tool handling products.
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There is a lot to like about this product. Robust in construction and Spartan in design, this is truly a bare-bones machine. While simplicity is manifested in its design, there are a few appointments that seem out of place. For example, in lieu of running hydraulic hoses on the inside of the boom Manitou has opted to place them on the exterior housed in a substantial enclosure—nothing bare boned about this. This means that removal of the internally mounted extension cylinder will be a lot less complicated if repair is required. Although it is virtually impossible for anyone to confuse the hydraulic fill point with the fuel fill point, it would be great if a green cap could be utilized to identify the diesel fill—something the entire industry should consider adopting.
One concern noted is the high positioning of the cab. While this translates into a high seating position, if you refer to image above, you will note the relatively high step-in height. Not only does this require a little extra effort to get in and out, but it also makes it necessary to carry the boom in little bit higher to gain right-side visibility.
For more information, visit www.us.manitou.com.
