The Manitou Maniscopic MLT 627 T is highly manoeuvrable and can lift 2,7t to a height of 6m. Operators at the Winterton facility received training from Manitou instructors. This should extend the service life of the unit and will help to improve productivity. Manitou offers a range of 40 different attachments to enhance the handler’s versatility. The company also develops custom-made implements. Says Christopher Derungs of SFS, “It’s definitely beneficial to have local support that not only includes servicing of the equipment here on site, but access to Manitou’s engineering expertise.”
Sustainable Fibre Solutions (SFS), a joint-venture partnership aimed at exploiting the economic benefits of natural fibre, is processing kenaf, a species of hibiscus, at its facility in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) has been around for about 4 000 years. It’s probably native to southern Asia, but its exact origin is unknown. Related to jute and hemp, kenaf’s fibre can be used in many applications, from paper-making to automotive trim panels and for building insulation material.
Yields of fibre per hectare per year are generally much higher than that of pulp trees such as pine, and kenaf can be harvested annually. It’s estimated that up to 1 000ha of kenaf, grown by more than 30 farmers, will be harvested this year in the Winterton area. The crop is baled using big square balers and transported to the processing facility. Here, the bales, with a mass of over 1t each, are handled by a Manitou telescopic rough-terrain forklift handler.
The Manitou handler is also used for various other functions in the processing of the material. SFS is already looking to buy a second handler from Manitou. “This machine is ideal for us in that it is very powerful, flexible and easy to use,” says Christopher Derungs of SFS. “From loading bales on and off vehicles to stacking them in stores, towing tractors out of the mud when they get stuck and various other tasks, the Manitou is used extensively day in and day out. Bales are received from the farmers, off-loaded and fed through the process. This involves a lot of handling.”
“The manoeuvrability of Manitou’s telescopic handler is a great advantage,” continues Christopher. “Especially in a unique environment like ours, where agriculture and industry come together. We have such a variety of tasks, and often very little space in which to perform them. In addition to the machine’s in-factory capability, the rough terrain in these parts means it has to be able to work in the worst of ground conditions. The Manitou really excels in that department.”
For more information on Manitou equipment, contact Lindsay Shankland, CEO of Manitou Southern Africa on 080 626 4868, or e-mail [email protected]. For information about the SFS operation contact Christopher Derungs on (036) 488 1430 or 083 414 7065, or e-mail [email protected]. To find out about growing kenaf, speak to Dale van Aardweg on (036) 488 1371 or 082 801 3173, or e-mail [email protected]
