As a residential property developer and house builder, Henry Price of JH Price & Sons is a man who puts high standards at the centre of every aspect of this company’s operations. Members of his team have been award winning at their jobs, the homes he builds are constructed and finished to the highest standards and the machinery and equipment he uses is top-grade – which is why he’s been a loyal Manitou customer from Northern Lift Trucks for over a decade.
In July of this year, he took two new models from Northern Lift Trucks, Manitou MT 1840 Comfort construction telehandler and a Manitou MRT 2660 Vision Plus rotating telehandler, to work on his latest housing development. Plant and Civil Engineer caught up with Henry Price and his on-site operator Andrew Russell (known as AJ) to find out about his company and the work the two new Manitou telehandlers are doing.
JH Price & Sons is a successful residential property developer established by Henry Price in 2006. Originally a digger driver, Henry saw the potential in house building and he hasn’t looked back. Starting with single dwellings, he expanded into residential developments, and along the way, his two sons, Jonathan and Kyle joined the business.
Since 2012 NHBC has recognised the quality JH PRICE has achieved on each of its developments, issuing their prestigious Pride in the Job award to site foreman, Thomas for his involvement in each of the company’s recent developments. In short, JH PRICE has an enviable reputation derived from continually delivering its mission of ‘Building Perfection’.
Currently, the company is completing Phase 3 of Blackthorn Manor, a new development of distinguished detached and semi-detached homes of traditional construction with a mix of high-quality brick, stone or render finishes. Set in the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful County Down townland of Bleary, Blackthorn Manor is less than 30 minutes from Lisburn and only 35 minutes from the centre of Belfast. The location provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the richness of country living whilst only being a short commute away from the city. Each of the mix of three- and four-bedroom houses comes with a sunroom and garage and home buyers can select interior finishes and fittings, such as flooring, fireplace, kitchens and bathrooms from prestigious nominated suppliers, all of whom have longstanding working relationships with JH PRICE. Blackthorn Manor is the latest in a string of similar JH PRICE & Sons developments, including Stanley Court in Aghalee, Lagan Lodge in Donaghcloney and Laurel Bank in Moneyreagh.
The MT 1840 Comfort construction telehandler’s main job for JH PRICE & Sons is to fetch, carry and deliver materials to the site, which is exactly what these machines are designed for. This telehandler is a formidable machine designed to tackle a wide range of tasks in the construction sector.
With its impressive reach, lifting capacity, and versatility, it has become a go-to choice for professionals seeking a reliable and efficient solution for material handling and elevation needs. The MT 1840 Comfort is capable of lifting, placing and removing loads (bulks, pallets, structures, etc.) up to 18 m in height with a maximum capacity of 4 t, this machine is still agile enough to get around on all types of surfaces.
At the heart of the Manitou MT 1840 Comfort is its powerful Deutz Stage V four-cylinder engine, which provides the telehandler with the muscle it needs to excel in demanding environments. One of its standout features is its precise and smooth operation. The 4 speed torque converter transmission ensures seamless control, allowing operators to manoeuvre with ease. From extending the boom to its full length to inching a path through tight spaces, the Manitou MT 1840 Comfort performs with finesse.
Its telescopic boom, with its chain design, is this machine’s defining feature. With a maximum forward reach of 13 metres and a lift height of 17.55 metres, this telehandler provides unmatched speed and control. Whether you need to reach high-up spots on a construction site or load materials onto a truck, the MT1840 Comfort allows you to get the job done efficiently.
From forks and buckets to jibs and winches, these attachments enable users to customise the telehandler for various tasks. The Manitou MT 1840’s flexibility can save time and money by reducing the need for multiple machines on a job site.
Moreover, the machine comes with a range of attachments that enhance its adaptability. From forks and buckets to jibs and winches, these attachments enable users to customise the telehandler for various tasks. The Manitou MT 1840’s flexibility can save time and money by reducing the need for multiple machines on a job site.
For decades, Manitou rotating telehandlers have been indispensable to many industry and construction professionals.
They are the ultimate, multifunctional machines that can be used on the construction site in three different ways: as a telescopic handler, compact crane and as an aerial work platform. At the JH PRICE Blackthorn Manor site, it is performing these roles effortlessly.
The real standout feature of the MRT 2660 V+ is its remarkable performance. With its 6 tonne lifting capacity and 26 metres lift height. All this while maintaining precise control over loads, thanks to its pentagonal boom.
What truly sets the MRT 2660 apart is its 360-degree rotating capability. The ability to rotate the upper structure of the telehandler adds a new level of flexibility to operations. It allows operators to precisely position loads or workers in hard-to-reach areas without having to reposition the entire machine.
The Manitou MRT 2660 V+ also comes with the operator remote control which allows the operator to use the machine from outside the cab. This feature enhances safety, productivity, and overall job site efficiency.
Given its substantial size and lifting capacity, the MRT 2660 V+ is surprisingly agile. It features four-wheel steering, which makes manoeuvring in tight spaces more manageable than might be expected.
Smart, ergonomic and comfortable, the MRT 2660 is a powerful, precise, yet flexible tool that, once experienced, becomes indispensable.
For Henry Price, working with Northern Lift Trucks and Manitou is what one might call ‘a no-brainer’.
Henry Price, JH Price & Sons“I prefer to work with regular, trusted suppliers, whether that is for the construction work or interior fit-out, like kitchens and bathrooms. A good, ongoing relationship with your suppliers and partners, quality, reliable machinery, brands, products and after-service are crucial to delivering ‘building perfection”
“That’s the type of relationship I have with Northern Lift Trucks – excellent. Manitou manufactures truly excellent machines for my construction needs and these two new arrivals are even better than their predecessors. They have performed superbly. As for Northern Lift Trucks, the company’s service is exceptional, from sales through to after-care and servicing.
“I’ve been dealing with Northern Lift Trucks working Manitous on my sites for over a decade, and I will be keeping my business there going forward”, concludes Henry.
AJ, who operates both these machines for JH PRICE, also gives a rave review for the Manitous.
“Both machines are more comfortable than earlier models and I like the reverse camera. I’m using the MT 1840 to bring materials from storage to wherever they are needed on site. It’s very capable, very smooth and exceptionally comfortable to work in. The visibility is well improved over previous models and I like some of the safety features. The load management systems and stabilisers give an added layer of security that makes the job easier.”
AJ Russell, Machine Operator
Perhaps not surprisingly, given the sheer scale of its capabilities, AJ’s favourite of the two Manitou machines in the MRT 2660.
“It’s an exceptional machine to operate. It is capable of impressive lifting with total precision, and I am really enjoying finding out what it can do. The cab is very comfortable with wraparound views, the 360-degree rotating capability is just excellent, and the remote controls give you the ability to reach and deliver anywhere you want. I am liking it a lot!”
