Italian manufacturer Magni Telescopic Handlers aims to change the industry perception of telehandler machines with the launch of its new brand to the heavy-duty mining and construction sectors.

The Magni range of telescopic handlers is solely distributed in a number of key heavy mining and construction markets across Africa by Eazi Sales & Service.
“We identified the need in the African market for a machine that is capable of more than just day-to-day materials handling and delivers significantly elevated capacities and heights,” says Eazi Sales & Service MD and founding partner Larry Smith.

“When we came across the Magni brand, we visited the factory in Italy, evaluated the technology and realised that the designers and engineers probably have more experience than any other telehandler company currently in the world.”

Magni, which has been manufacturing since September 2012, was founded by the long-term Manitou Italy president Riccardo Magni. The brand has already gained signifi-cant market acceptance in Europe, with yearly demand estimated to surpass 300 machines by 2014.

“The advanced technology that has gone into each machine makes the range stand out from a functionality, safety and performance point of view. With a complete range of attachments available, we’re confident the range will gain significant market share in the heavy-duty mining and construction markets,” says Smith.

Magni manufactures the rotating RTH and high-capacity HTH telehandlers. The RTH range consists of seven models with weight capacities between 4 t and 6 t, and features maximum heights of between 18 m and 30 m. The HTH range is available in three variations that are capable of lifting a maximum of 15 t, 25 t or 30 t – making the HTH 30.12 model the largest capacity telehandler in the world.

“The RTH model functions as a crane, access platform and telehandler, making it an extremely cost-effective alternative to buying and maintaining three separate machines. Together with the exceptional reach height of up to 30 m, this makes the RTH perfect for construction and mining applications,” says Smith.

Each RTH model features the ability to rotate 180˚ in either direction, offering 360˚ visibility, while optional ride control, which constantly displays load limits, further allows operators to control the boom using a remote, should ground visibility become important.

A range of attachments is available with the RTH range to help operators achieve all-out versatility, notes Eazi Sales & Service. These attachments include forks, winches and jib winches (completely hydraulic with no electronics), industrial-sized crane hooks, 500 kg baskets (available with platform extensions), 1 000 kg platforms (4.7 m in width with 180˚ or 340˚ pivot options available) and 7.2 m jibs (featuring an 800 kg capacities), as well as brick clamps, concrete ladles and pipe reels.

Designed for heavy-duty applications in the oil and gas, mining and construction markets, the HTH telehandler features its own range of high-capacity attachments. These include tyre handlers (8 t and 16 t capacities with lift heights of 4.25 m), universal cylinder handlers, strut handlers, rear-hub handlers and conveyor belt handlers with 25 t capacities and handling widths of 2.4 m.

High-end Market Segment

With a start-up investment totalling almost €20-million, the Magni research and devel-opment team has developed some of the most advanced technology currently available from the heavy machinery industry, states Eazi Sales & Service.

“Magni has adapted technology from shipping and navigation to provide an easy-to-interpret and fully-integrated control dashboard with a touch-screen display. The screen displays load charts and indicates when any retraction might be necessary, while a load indicator shows load tolerances at all times using a percentage gauge,” says Smith.

The load chart is automatically calculated by the on-board computer, depending on the attachment it detects at the end of the boom. This eliminates risks associated with manual load chart calculations and speeds up the entire setup process. During operation, it continually monitors the load and degree of left or right rotation, and notifies operators before extending the boom out of kilter.

“This degree of interactive stability makes materials handling much safer and easier, even when working with extreme weights and heights. “The technology gives operators greater peace of mind, allowing them to focus more on being productive,” says Smith. “The on-board computer further allows for in-cab and remote diagnostics, which helps to maintain the machine and continually improve its performance.”

Users can customise movement speeds with up to four personality settings, turn movement limits on and off, auto level the cab and perform a range of driving techniques with ease, including crab, all-wheel and front-wheel steer. The advanced control system allows operators to lock the axles, straighten them or control each one individually. “Other benefits include an adjustable steering column and an optional pressurised cabin, which helps to suppress loud noise and provides clean, cool air – which makes the Magni range one of the most customisable and ergonomically sound machines available on the market,” says Smith.