By DOUG GRAVES Ohio Correspondent COVINGTON, Ohio — It’s not exactly an agriculture obstacle course, but if you attend the third annual Mani-Tour at the Apple Farm Service in Covington, Ohio, on Dec. 11 you might feel as though you’re in one as you test your abilities of moving an array of obstacles around while using some of the newest farming equipment from Manitou and Gehl. The event is hosted by Apple Farm Service. ‘‘The Mani-Tour is a ride and drive demo day,’’ says Apple Farm Service Marketing Manager Kent Holmes. ‘‘There we’ll have a full line of equipment for farmers to test ride and operate. And the best part is they can obtain coupons for up to $1,500 off their next Manitou purchase.’’ This is the third year for the Mani-Tour. In 2017, attendance was superb despite a snowfall that forced all activities indoors. In 2018, the event was held in the middle of baling season, so attendance was slightly less than expected. ‘‘This year we expect to catch people at a good time,’’ Holmes said. This ride-and-drive event will feature the latest agriculture handling solutions from Manitou and Gehl, including telehandlers, skid loaders, articulated loaders and track loaders. Dozens of attachments to the equipment will be available as well, giving attendees a chance to test their moving and loading skills. Some of these multi-taskers can reach up to 31 feet, 7 inches with a maximum lift capacity ranging from 4,400 to 13,000 pounds. “Manitou MLT telescopic loaders take digging, lifting, hauling and loading applications to the next level with features catered specifically to the agriculture industry,” Holmes added. “In addition, Manitou offers a full spectrum of attachments designed for ultimate efficiency on the farm, including attachments for hay handling, manure scraping, animal feeding and sweeping.” “We’re excited to bring back the Mani-Tour,” said Bill Apple, president of Apple Farm Service. “We’ve been a Gehl dealership since 1956, and one of the first Manitou dealerships in the area. However, we find that a vast amount of operators in the area don’t understand the full versatility of these machines. The Mani-Tour is a great opportunity for any operator, farmer or contractor to try out these efficient machines.” The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an open house, breakfast, lunch and prize giveaways all day. ‘‘And along with all the food there will be plenty of opportunities to get behind the wheel and try out the equipment yourself, ’’ Holmes said. ‘‘We want guests to use over a dozen of attachments as they move around our lot and play with pallets, bales, crates and other obstacles.’’ “If anyone cannot make the show and wants to test the equipment we’ll be holding traveling demos the week before and after the show,” Holmes said. “We can go out to one’s farm and have them check it out.” For more information about the Mani-Tour or Apple Farm Service, visit AppleFarmService.com/ManiTour or call (937) 526-4851. (#) Photo 1 – The Manitou MLT 420 is the smallest of the machines visitors will see. It fits easily on a utility trailer, is 11 feet long, 11 inches wide and can life 4,409 pounds. It has a maximum height of 14 feet, 4 inches. Photo 2 – The Manitou MLT 737 is 16 feet, 4 inches long and 7 feet, one inch wide. The MLT 737 has a maximum height of 22 feet, 8 inches. Photo 3 – The Manitou MLT 840 is 17 feet, 8 inches long and can lift 9,000 pounds, with a maximum height of 24 feet, 11 inches |
