ExEcutivE REPORt More Electric Merlos
Nick Johnson reports on the latest developments at Merlo, where the company’s expanding ‘Generation 0’ programme embraces electric telehandlers and small tracked carriers.
T
he products of the Italian machine maker Merlo S.P.A. have long been clearly
recognisable by their bright green corporate colour. And now that green is often associated with environmental friendliness it is particularly apt that this family owned company is busy developing more low emission, electric machines.
It was back in 1981 that founder Amilcare Merlo (often referred to simply as Mr Merlo) entered the then embryonic telehandler market. He subsequently went on to make dramatic product innovations such as the first side engined, low boom rigid frame telehandler in 1987 and the first rotating telehandler in 1991.
Subsequently the company has developed a formidable range of telehandlers with models tailored specifically for both the construction and agricultural markets. A feature of the business is the high proportion of each machine that is actually produced at the large 330,000m2
facility near to Cuneo in
Italy. This is no ‘screwdriver plant’ and visitors are visibly impressed by the extent of in-house manufacture – aided by an ever- increasing number of robots.
Although now in his late eighties, the legendary Mr Merlo still retains a keen daily interest in the business. Meanwhile younger family members led by son Paulo as CEO now occupy senior positions as the company moves forward. Particular emphasis for them is developing more environmentally friendly ‘Generation 0’ machines.
At the end of last year Merlo launched its first 100% electric telehandler. Called the eWorker it was also the first new machine to carry the company’s updated product branding with a stronger Merlo logo.
becoming the world’s third largest telehandler maker. Last year the company made more than 7,200 machines and the plan is to increase production to 10,000 machines within two to three years.
Merlo is already making more of its Cingo small tracked carriers / dumpers and greater emphasis is being placed on marketing them in the UK. The introduction of a 600kg capacity M700TD high tip model and the use of quieter, new generation engines has increased their appeal to hire companies. An interesting sister machine is the M12.3 EVO Handler 440 - a mini tracked telehandler with a maximum capacity of 400kg and a maximum lift height of 3.4m.
Merlo founder Amilcare Merlo (right) with his son Paulo who is now the company’s CEO.
There are two eWorker models – the 4WD EW25.5-90 with a maximum power of 66kW and the 2WD EW25.5-60 whose power rating is 44kW. Both have a maximum capacity of 2,500 kg and provide a maximum lift height of 4.8m.
The eWorker is a compact machine with a width of 1,540mm and a height to the top of its cab of 1,975mm. Despite its small size the machine gets a roomy purpose-made cab with full FOPS and ROPS protection.
Interestingly, Merlo has made the eWorker with rear wheel, rather that all wheel, steering so it drives like an industrial forklift. This arrangement provides a high steering angle so that the outer turning radius is only 2,850mm for the 2WD model and 3,250mm for the 4WD version.
The eWorker was launched with easily changed lead-acid batteries which are said to allow eight hours operation and a recharge time of between eight and nine hours. As an option, Merlo is adding alternative 41kWh, 850AH lithium-ion batteries.
The recently introduced electric eWorker compact telehandler and the forthcoming electric Cingo dumper.
The availability of the eWorker and the promise of more electric telehandlers to come will help Merlo achieve its aim of
Next year Merlo will introduce new electric Cingo models complete with lithium-ion batteries. There will be a 600kg capacity standard tip M600TD-e dumper as well as self-loading and high tip versions.
Support of Merlo machines in the UK has been strengthened by a major investment of £750,000 in the company’s Ringwood-based subsidiary Merlo UK Ltd. Now with General Manager Shaun Groom at the helm, improvements include more parts storage and a new training facility. As part of an enhanced marketing programme, the company will be exhibiting at next year’s Executive Hire Show. n
The updated Cingo range has gained this high tip dumper and there are electric versions coming.
18 Executive Hire News - September 2022
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