January 2025
Mohawk Northeast Inc. recently took delivery of its new Mantsinen 140R material handler, a key addition to its fleet for dredging operations in New London Harbor in Groton, Conn. Shipped fully assembled from Finland, the machine arrived at the Port of Baltimore’s BalTerm terminal, where it was lifted from an ocean-going vessel to a waiting barge. The machine will be barged up the East Coast to its destination in Groton, where it will undergo final preparations before beginning operations.
“This machine was manufactured in Finland and transported fully assembled to minimize setup time,” explained Todd Dohnal, Eastern Regional Sales Manager for SMH Group. “Once it reaches New London Harbor, it will be equipped with a Topcon GPS system, and then it will be ready to begin 24/7 dredging operations in New London Harbor.”
This will be the first time a Topcon GPS system has been placed on this model. This innovative addition enables precise navigation and excavation, critical for the harbor’s complex dredging requirements.
“The Topcon system will give operators real-time data about their position, depth and materials,” Dohnal noted. “With a separate in-cab display, it ensures the operator can work with accuracy, even beneath the water's surface.”
Versatile capabilities
The 300,000-pound Mantsinen 140R is a versatile machine designed for demanding material handling operations and is capable of handling up to 900 tons per hour. The machine’s size and material handling capacity make it a perfect fit for Mohawk Northeast’s dredging needs. The addition of a GPS system underscores the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to complete high-profile infrastructure projects efficiently.
“For what the customer needed—depth, capacity and production—this unit hit all the right marks,” declared Dohnal. “It’s designed to handle the rigors of 24/7 operations, and we’ll be monitoring its performance closely to ensure optimal results.”
The Mantsinen 140R comes equipped with a spacious harbor cab designed for operator comfort and training. Advanced features such as a Volvo Penta engine contribute to exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability, further bolstering its appeal for port operations.
“This machine offers unique capabilities like a return-to-dig function, which optimizes repetitive cycles in bulk handling,” said Dohnal. “We’re eager to see how it performs in this new dredging application.”
Long-term partnership
This is not Mohawk Northeast’s first encounter with the Mantsinen line. SMH Group’s partnership with Mohawk Northeast has been pivotal in bringing Mantsinen solutions to the New England market. The collaborative relationship has even extended overseas, with Mohawk Northeast representatives visiting Finland to view the machine’s construction firsthand.
“The Mantsinen folks do a phenomenal job taking people around and really care about their customers because they are such a small company,” commented Dohnal. “Everything they do is customer-oriented, and it's very nice to be part of that type of a group.”
The journey to deliver the Mantsinen 140R to the United States was not without its challenges. Weather delays and port congestion added complexity to the shipping process. However, the fully assembled delivery strategy minimized downtime and expedited the machine’s readiness for service.
“We’re excited to have this machine here and to support Mohawk’s critical projects,” Dohnal stated. “This delivery marks just the beginning of many more opportunities to bring innovative Mantsinen equipment to the U.S.”
SMH Group – Mohawk Northeast Inc.
