Manitou Group enters the stand-on track loader market with two new models

Manitou Group has entered the stand-on track loader market with the introduction of the Manitou 1050 SRT and GEHL SRT105, two compact machines designed to handle digging, grading, trenching, material handling, and site preparation in confined work areas.

Unveiled at Equip Expo 2026, the new loaders expand Manitou Group's compact earthmoving lineup with a customer-driven design informed by years of feedback from contractors, landscapers, rental companies, and dealers. Both models share identical specifications and incorporate features from the company's larger compact track loaders.

"We've studied the stand-on loader market for several years, and our goal was never to be first, we wanted to offer something better and built around our customer needs," said Nathan Ryan, global product line manager, earthmoving category, for Manitou Group.

Compact stand-on track loaders deliver high breakout forces

Both the Manitou 1050 SRT and GEHL SRT105 are powered by a 23.2-horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel engine and feature radial lift geometry designed for digging, grading, backfilling, and material handling.

The machines deliver 3,802 pounds of lift breakout force and 2,711 pounds of tilt breakout force, with a rated operating capacity of 1,050 pounds at 35 percent of tipping load. An optional counterweight increases rated operating capacity to 1,100 pounds.

With an operating weight of 3,430 pounds and a width of just 35.8 inches, the loaders are suited to applications where larger equipment may have difficulty accessing the work area. Their compact dimensions also make them practical for contractors moving equipment between multiple job sites.

The radial lift arms incorporate a float function for grading applications, while an 86.1-inch hinge pin height and 64.6-inch dump height provide reach for loading material into low-sided trailers.

IdealTrax automatic track tensioning improves undercarriage performance

Stability and track retention were two priorities identified through customer research, particularly for machines operating on uneven terrain and side slopes. To address these challenges, Manitou Group incorporated its IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system, already used on the company's larger track loaders.

IdealTrax automatically tensions the tracks during operation and releases tension when the machine is shut down, eliminating the need for manual track tension adjustments. According to Manitou Group, the system can extend track life by 15 percent.

The undercarriage also incorporates double-flange idlers at the front and rear, along with triple-flange rollers to help maintain track alignment and reduce the likelihood of de-tracking.

Another design consideration was the machine's centre of gravity. By nesting the drive sprocket between the rear idlers, engineers were able to position the engine, pumps, and motors lower in the chassis, improving stability on uneven ground and side slopes.

Attachment versatility and precise hydraulic control

Attachment versatility is central to the new loaders' design, allowing contractors to perform several tasks with one compact machine. Both models deliver 12.6 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow at 3,000 psi and feature a common industry interface attachment plate compatible with stand-on loader attachments.

Available attachments include buckets, pallet forks, trenchers, augers, breakers, hydraulic dozer blades, brooms, soil conditioners, power rakes, and grapples. A skid steer/compact track loader attachment adapter plate is also available.

To accommodate different attachment requirements, operators can adjust maximum auxiliary hydraulic flow through the five-inch colour display, selecting 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent.

For applications requiring precise travel speeds, such as trenching or surface preparation, the loaders feature creep mode. This allows operators to limit travel speed independently of auxiliary hydraulic power, maintaining attachment performance while controlling machine movement. A joystick-mounted boost button temporarily overrides the selected speed limit when additional travel speed is required.

Walk-behind mode improves stand-on loader transport

One of the more distinctive features of the new loaders is a fold-up operator platform that enables walk-behind operation. When the platform is raised, operators can activate walk-behind mode through the machine's display and control travel and lift functions while standing behind the loader, with travel speed limited to 1.2 mph.

The feature was developed to address the challenges of loading stand-on machines onto trailers or navigating steep ramps, where standing on the operator platform can become uncomfortable or unstable as the machine changes angle.

The platform also incorporates an integrated operator presence system that allows operators to stand in different positions without having to keep a separate presence pedal depressed. That system supports programmable auto-idle and auto-stop functions, which reduce engine speed and eventually shut down the engine when the operator steps away, helping reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Tool-free service access simplifies stand-on loader maintenance

To simplify maintenance and servicing, Manitou Group designed the new loaders with tool-free access to major components. Removable side panels and front and rear access compartments provide access to the engine, hydraulic components, filters, and electrical systems. Electrical components, including fuses, relays, and the battery disconnect, are grouped together in a dedicated rear compartment. Most hydraulic components are also positioned at the rear, while the hydraulic cooler is located toward the front to direct warm air away from the operator.

A quick-drop belly pan can be released with a lever to allow accumulated dirt and debris to be washed out of the chassis, simplifying cleanup after work in muddy or debris-heavy environments. Grease points are accessible from the sides of the machine to make routine maintenance easier.

Manitou and GEHL stand-on loader options and availability

The new SRT loaders are available in Classic and Platinum packages. Platinum configurations add ride control, called HydraGlide on the GEHL SRT105 and Comfort Ride Control on the Manitou 1050 SRT, along with a 14-pin electrical connection for compatible attachments.

The loaders also support Manitou Group's connected machine technology, including the myManitou and myGEHL apps and the optional EasyMANAGER fleet management platform. These tools provide access to machine location, operating hours, fuel levels, diagnostic information, and maintenance alerts.

Production of the Manitou 1050 SRT and GEHL SRT105 is scheduled to ramp up in November 2026, with dealer and rental deliveries expected in early 2027. Both models carry a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.