Our handling solutions for Aquaculture and shellfish farming
The aquaculture, fish farming and shellfish farming sectors are demanding environments, where the handling of heavy and specific loads is often carried out on difficult terrain and in marine environments. Manitou, expert in material handling solutions, offers a complete range of machines designed to meet the unique challenges of these trades.
Oyster and mussel farming: mastering a demanding environment
Oyster and mussel farming involve unique challenges, directly linked to working in a marine environment. Equipment resistance is a major issue, as constant exposure to a salty environment and salt water accelerates machine corrosion. Our machines can therefore be fitted with anti-corrosion paint to withstand this unique natural environment. Aquaculture, shellfish and fish farms are often located on loose, muddy, sandy, uneven and sometimes even partially submerged ground, such as foreshore or pond edges. That's why Manitou designs machines with excellent off-road capability, high ground clearance and optimal traction. Our machines are capable of working on these complex surfaces, guaranteeing the continuity of your operations. What's more, the ground pressure of our machines is an essential criterion for protecting sensitive areas of your operations. The MLT and ULM models are particularly well-suited to these environments, thanks to their robust design and all-terrain capabilities.
Working spaces in shellfish and fish farming can also be tight, whether on barges, between oyster tables or around ponds. Compact, maneuverable machines are therefore particularly attractive. Manitou's ULM and MLA ranges offer excellent maneuverability and valuable agility in these confined environments. Operator safety is also a top priority, especially when working in wet conditions and with heavy loads. Our enclosed, air-conditioned cabs offer optimum comfort and protection, while high-performanceLED lighting systems ensure excellent visibility, even in low-light conditions.
Optimized handling for specific loads
Shellfish and fish farming professionals are also looking for versatile machines capable of performing a multitude of tasks to maximize their investment. Manitou telescopic handlers, including the MLT and ULM ranges, as well as the SSL/CTL and MLA skid-steer loaders, are designed to offer this essential versatility. Thanks to a quick-change attachment system, you can save considerable time and optimize your resources.
A single machine can be used to handle and transport oyster bags, load oyster tables, distribute fish feed, load and unload trucks. Oyster bags, which are often heavy, require precise and delicate handling, as do fish farming nets, which can be bulky and fragile. Manitou offers machines with adequate lifting capacities and a wide range of accessories adapted to these needs, such as :
- pallet forks for food,
- buckets for bulk handling
- lifting jibs for handling suspended loads such as cages and nets,
- big bag handlers for handling big bags such as food sacks.