Manitou has unveiled its first hydrogen fuel-cell telehandler and plans to bring a 100 per cent hydrogen telehandler to the market in 2026. The hydrogen programme is part of the French manufacturer’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its machines by 34 per cent per hour by 2030.

The hydrogen telehandler is based on a diesel model with a lift height of 46 feet. The prototype follows Manitou’s unveiling of electric telehandlers and all-terrain work platforms at the Bauma show in Germany in October. The company says it views hydrogen as a “medium-term alternative” for its customers.

Manitou has opened a green hydrogen station where it will test its hydrogen prototype along with other hydrogen technology. The company is not only focusing on hydrogen fuel cells but also hydrogen combustion engines. It says it will use the solution that works best for customers.

It plans to test its hydrogen machines alongside electric ones to gauge their ranges. In testing its new prototype Manitou plans to focus on “guaranteeing range and reliability in real-life conditions while testing the durability of components”.

The hydrogen telehandler will be sent out to construction sites for testing by the end of 2023 to gather feedback the company says. A hydrogen rotating telehandler model is also being developed and is expected to be unveiled soon.