So, motor engine, nice and simple to check. Dipstick here, ball filler here (both located to the left of the radiator). We can move to the head of the tank on the radiator here. And whilst we’re here, we can also check the cleanliness of the radiator and any damage (the radiator is quite easy to spot – it’s silver and rectangular). We can check the fan belt (also silver, located to the left of the radiator). We can check for leaks around any of the filters or any of the hoses (located to the far left, opposite the radiator). We can check the water trap (looks like a test tube, located to the far left), and whilst we’re under the bonnet, I’ll open off the fluid and we can also check the air filter (round, clipped in a casing, located on far left). The next set of fluids would be the hydraulic and washer fluid. They’re outside of the bonnet. Let’s go and find those.

The hydraulic tank is mounted behind the cab on the MT625 and the hydraulic sight gauge is located behind the cab, quite low down and you wouldn’t necessarily see it to the naked eye (these are both on the back left of the machine – the other side of the engine). You can see it underneath here. When you check this, you need to make sure the machine is on level ground, with the boom closed to ensure that you get a true reading – and what you’re looking for is the oil level on the centre of the dial itself.

Moving forward to the last fluid we’re going to need to check – it’s washer fluid located in the mudguard underneath this little err, this little cover, unlocked by the key (front left of the vehicle – the other side of the engine).

After we’ve finished the fluids, it’s logical to check the tyres. The easiest thing to do is do a visual inspection all the way around the outside. Also, the inside to make sure there’s no damage – no cuts – no bulges, that will impair the working ability and stability of the tyre. Also, you need to check the pressure, and very importantly, you need to check the tightness of the wheel nuts. And you might ask, “How do we check that the wheel nuts are tight?” Well Manitou provide you with a wheel brace and on the MT625, it’s just this side of the cab here (just underneath and to the left of the cab seat, closest to the door).

Whilst we’re walking around the machine – checking the general condition – we can also grease all the pins and washers. This is extremely important, mainly because it’ll prolong the life of the machine and prevent downtime. But also, lower the total cost of ownership in the long run.

You can find that information in the maintenance section of the operators manual, generally located behind the seat. All Manitou machines imported into the UK come standard with road lights, flashing beacon, some with working lights all need checking even if you’re not going out on the road.

Thank you for watching. If you have any questions, please refer to the operator’s manual for the machine or contact us at Locators.