Hydrostatic transmission.

The incorporation of the hydrostatic transmission feature has been a winning technological solution which ensures high performance levels and complete adjustment potential even at high power levels whilst being very simple to use.
Not only is it easy to operate, it is also easy to maintain, ensures maximum operating reliability, and gives a good braking effect, enhanced operator comfort and running economy.
The hydrostatic transmission features in the Merlo handlers is made up of two main components:
- Variable displacement axial piston hydraulic pump.
- A hydraulic engine of fixed or variable speed rating according to the models.
The hydraulic pump generates a pressurized oil flow, which is transformed into mechanical power which is transferred to the wheels, firstly through the speed change and then through the transmission shaft. This oil is then returned by the hydraulic engine to the pump in a closed circuit. To vary the speed simply change the flow of the hydraulic pump.
The gear change is both designed and manufactured by Merlo and features two speed ranges which can be manually selected, while certain models have an electronic synchronization feature to permit speed change on moving machines (“Shift-on-the-go" technology ).

High performance
Merlo machines are the first to have achieved shift speeds of 40 km/h, and the PANORAMIC telescopic handler is still the unbeaten holder of the world telescopic handler speed record.

Great versatility
The transmission elements may be positioned in any part of the machine, as there are none of the limitations decreed by the mechanical part arrangement of the traditional system.
This freedom from restriction further enhances the other functional features such as visibility and weight distribution.

Running economy
As the transmission operates through a pressurized closed circuit, there is a minimum risk of any contamination by dust, water of dirt.
The hydraulic oil change and relative filter replacement operations need to be undertaken relatively infrequently and requires only a few litres of fluid.

Excellent braking effect
Thanks to its high performance dynamic braking effect, the use of the brakes is reduced to the absolute minimum.

Complete operating convenience
Thanks to the host of different speeds possible with the hydrostatic transmission it means that the continuous gear speed shifts of the traditional mechanical systems is avoided.
Speed control by means of the accelerator pedal ensures maximum working precision so that the operator can get on with the actual lifting operations.

Easy control feature
The vehicle running direction selection is by means of an electric control, which can be operated without ever taking the hands from the wheel (“Finger-touch” system).
All speed adjustments are made from the accelerator pedal and the variation in the number of diesel engine revs automatically obtained acts to automatically vary the hydraulic pump flow.
There is an independent pedal for manoeuvres requiring extreme precision, which acts to regulate the pump flow to obtain precise movements down to the last millimetre (“Inching control-system").