Merlo NZ launches as direct subsidiary
Imported to New Zealand since 1995, being 25 years with the last distributor, Merlo has become one of the leading players in the telehandler market for agriculture, construction and specialised operations.
Given that most countries who favour the humble ute have maximum braked towing limits of 3500kg, those seeking to use mobile plant and machinery need to find a solution that fits within those limits.
Manufacturers continue to develop new products that offer more power and performance within smaller dimensioned formats, leading to the term ‘compact’.
Already masters at offering a machine for any situation, Merlo used the recent Agritechnica event in Germany to reinforce their understanding of the demand by showcasing its Hypercompact Concept telehandler.
Said to have been developed for operations in confined spaces such as older farm buildings, poultry and pig units, or equestrian yards, the TF 15.5 on display offered a load capacity of 1500kg with a maximum lift height of 5 metres.
Mindful of critical dimensions required for such situations, overall length has been kept to 3m, overall height is 1.8m and width, on standard tyres, is kept to only 1.56m. While agility and manoeuvrability come with such dimensions, the company suggests that the overriding design brief was to reduce the machine’s tare weight to allow it to fit within the 3500kg gross towing limits.
Power is delivered by a three-cylinder Yanmar diesel producing 36hp, with the manufacturer noting that the same levels of operator comfort are achieved, although it is fitted with a slightly smaller cabin. Currently, the concept is at the working prototype stage and likely to see some final design tweaks before an expected commercial release date in 2027.
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