Mechanical handler, "Mantis" type, by Matbro (Mathew Brothers) of Wallington, Surrey. (ca.1956)

This multi-purpose mechanical handler was developed by Matbro Limited, a manufacturer of industrial handling machinery that was founded in 1949 by the Mathew brothers in Surrey.

The Mantis was released in 1956 and is a tractor-mounted machine which was available in one of a number of models. It could be employed as a high-lift working platform, a fork-lift truck, a light excavator and ditcher and as a mobile power tool. It combined the functions of a number of single-purpose machines with no pause for changeover. Also, through attachments, a wide range of additional duties could be carried out. This Mantis is fitted with a backhoe attachment, which enabled it to strip topsoil as well as expose and load minerals (such as coal seams).