Who Is Manitou?
Who Is Manitou?
Manitou Group is a French manufacturer of heavy handling equipment, including rough-terrain forklifts, telehandlers, aerial work platforms, skid steers, and more. Originating in Ancenis, France, the company traces back to 1953 under “Braud & Faucheux.” In 1958, Marcel Braud invented the first rough-terrain forklift—built by reversing a tractor layout and adding a lift mast and hydraulic steering—named Manitou, meaning “handles everything.” You know who else handles everything? Equipment O'ahu in Waimanalo, Hawaii! Keep reading to learn more about how Manitou-brand equipment can help keep your construction and land clearing projects on-schedule and within budget whether you rent, lease or buy.
Over the ensuing decades, Manitou expanded globally:
- 1972: First subsidiary in the UK.
- 1981: Entered the telehandler market with the Maniscopic range.
- 1993: Launched rotating telehandlers (MRT series), aerial work platforms, and truck-mounted forklifts.
- 2008: Acquired Gehl and Mustang, bolstering its presence in North America.
- Recent innovations include electric and hydrogen-powered telehandler prototypes and acquisitions to integrate components manufacturing and lithium-ion battery production.
Manitou’s Equipment at Equipment Oahu
Manitou machines available locally make Projects more seamless and cost-effective. Examples:
- A pre-owned Manitou 1650RT compact loader is on-hand and immediately deployable.
- A new Manitou TJ65 Telescopic Boom Lift is listed for $144,800 (plus tax), offering local buyers efficient access to height.
- Don't see what you're looking for? Equipment O'ahu in Waimanalo, Hawaii is an authorized dealer of Manitou products. Let us know what you need and we'll order it for you!
How Manitou Stands Out Against Other Brands
Manitou’s rich history and engineering distinctiveness position its equipment uniquely:
Strengths:
- Rugged all-terrain focus: Built originally to handle demanding agricultural and construction environments—ideal for uneven and tropical terrain like the O‘ahu environment.
- Innovative versatility: Rotating telehandlers, powerful aerial platforms, and terrain-adaptable loaders reflect ongoing design leadership.
- Strong North American portfolio: Acquisition of Gehl and Mustang enhanced skid steer and compact loader offerings with U.S. production and parts.
- Forward-thinking sustainability: Electric and hydrogen-powered prototypes showcase commitment to low-carbon solutions.
Comparative View:
- Bobcat (USA) offers compact loaders and excavators, but Manitou’s telescopic and rotating machines offer negotiating power on varied jobsite terrains.
- Toyota Material Handling dominates electric and warehouse forklifts but doesn’t focus on rough-terrain or telehandlers as heavily.
- Manitowoc specializes in cranes rather than versatile loaders or aerial platforms.
Why Manitou on Oʻahu Makes Sense
Manitou’s branding was born from adaptability—it handles everything, literally. Its telehandlers and aerial lifts excel in rugged, constrained, or uneven sites. Being accessible through Equipment Oahu means local projects avoid long lead times, shipping costs, and cumbersome logistics from the Mainland. Used or new, Manitou equipment brings proven durability, immediate support, and island-ready performance.
For all of these reasons (and a few more), Equipment O'ahu in Waimanalo, Hawaii brought Manitou to the islands to help YOU. Call today for a quote
Contact Equipment Oahu
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Location: 41-741 Mahailua Street Waimanalo, HI 96795
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Phone: 808-688-3714
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Website: EquipmentOahu.com
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Email: sales@equipmentoahu.com
Equipment Oahu – Your trusted partner for mini and compact equipment rentals, leases, and sales across Oahu, helping you complete projects safely, efficiently, and on budget.
What is Manitou known for?
Manitou is a global manufacturer of heavy equipment specializing in telehandlers, rough-terrain forklifts, aerial work platforms, skid steers, compact loaders, and material handling equipment. Founded in France, the company is recognized for building equipment designed to perform in challenging environments, including construction sites, agricultural operations, and land-clearing projects.
Why is Manitou equipment a good fit for Hawaii?
Manitou equipment is designed to handle uneven terrain, challenging job site conditions, and demanding workloads. Its telehandlers, rough-terrain forklifts, and aerial lifts are well-suited for Hawaii's construction, agricultural, and land management projects where versatility and reliability are essential.
Can I buy or lease Manitou equipment from Equipment Oahu?
Yes. Equipment Oahu is an authorized Manitou dealer serving Hawaii. Customers can purchase, lease, finance, or inquire about specific Manitou equipment models, including telehandlers, boom lifts, compact loaders, and other material handling solutions. If a particular machine is not currently in inventory, Equipment Oahu can help source and order the equipment needed for your project.
