DEDICATED telehandler manufacturer Merlo is set to shape up the Australian market with its new line of telehandlers.
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A confident Merlo Global sales director Maurizio Gavio said the new generation models were designed for use in a wide range of agricultural applications from hay handling to loader work.
“Generally they will give a better performance, being easier to drive and more manoeuvrable,” he said.
Mr Gavio said the family-owned Merlo company was founded in 1964 and had grown to be in the top three telehandler manufacturers in Europe.
With a turnover of $A593 million a year, Mr Gavio said the company was now expanding into North America.
“We are taking telehandlers to the next level,” he said. “We were the first to introduce towing by a telehandler and with our big range of attachments, we are always looking for new applications.
Merlo Group Australia manager, Nicola Quarti, said the range included a Turbofarmer II and Multifarmer models.
“With a telehandler, farmers get the versatility of a machine that can perform a wide range of on farm applications and are fit for purpose, which is crucial from a safety perspective,” Ms Quarti said.
“Merlo’s new telehandlers are ideally suited to hay handling, along with other applications like fertiliser and bulk inputs, to feeding out.”
Four models offer lift capacity ranging from 3.5 tonnes to four tonnes with a built-in boom allowing for precise reach while maintaining a stable centre of gravity.
“The TF38.10TT-120 with its 3.8 tonne lift capacity and 9.5m (31ft) lift height, is ideal for farmers undertaking high production hay handling, or for those requiring extra lift capacity with an extended boom.”
Meanwhile, the heavy-duty MF40.7CS model, with a four tonne lift capacity and 6.8m (22ft) lift height is built for use in rough terrain and heavy duty applications such as lifting grape bins, concrete structures, or other heavy equipment on farm.
A mechanical PTO, with speeds of 540/1000, is standard on the Multifarmer and optional on the Turbofarmer II models.
“The PTO allows the telehandlers to work like agricultural tractors, running towed seeders, sprayers and balers,” Ms Quarti said.
According to Merlo, its Turbofarmer II and Multifarmer range offer even more versatility in the field, by performing like a tractor towing up to 21 tonnes with hydraulic trailer braking.
Ms Quarti said the telehandler cab protected operators against the risk of a falling hay bales, unlike tractors not fitted with a falling object protective structure (FOPS).
“Merlo cabs are designed with operator safety and comfort in mind,” she said. “At 1.1m (3.5ft) wide, the new telehandler cab is the largest cab on the market and is fully pressurised to ensure a quiet, dust-free work environment.”
All models have a 90kW (120hp) Deutz Tier 4 interim engine, offer transmission speeds of up to 40 km/h and Merlo CVTronic transmission that delivers acceleration without interrupting torque, making travel between paddock runs faster and more productive.
Merlo has 50 years of manufacturing experience and Italian heritage, and has steadily increased its presence in Australia over the past 10 years.
“Merlo has built a professional dealer network in Australia and invested in warehousing in Perth and Sydney,” Ms Quarti said.
“These investments have been about building a strong foundation to support Merlo’s growing customer base with our award-winning range of telehandlers, not to mention quick access to parts and technical expertise.”
More information: merloaustralia.com.au
