Merlo 170 HP telescopic handler with 11-metre boom for heavy loads.
"An eleven metre boom in agriculture! Traditional telescopic handlers usually reach a height of 7-9 m. Why does Merlo dare to go further? Demands from farmers are growing. Silage stores are getting higher. Merlo keeps up with such changes. The TF 45.11, with 170 HP, 4.5 t capacity and 11-metre boom stands up to heavy loads. This is what Merlo Deutschland and users think about this series for heavy loads presented at Agritechnica 2019 ..."
Bremen: The telescopic handler TF 45.11, with its 170 HP engine, secures its place among lifts for heavy loads. The manufacturer from Northern Italy, Merlo S.p.A., is the only one to combine a maximum capacity of 4.5 t with a lifting capacity of about 11 m. This model belongs to a series without stabilisers, able to lift up to 5 t. The axles with epicyclic gear unit, specially designed to have a compact axle body, ensure the stability required by the company to perform operations with heavy loads.
Heavy load lifts belong to the series of Turbofarmers, the most purchased and spread Merlo’s products in the agricultural field. Many of the configuration variants of the famous Turbofarmer series, thanks to the modular structure given by the Italian company, are possible also in case of heavy loads, hence for the TF 45.11.
These models feature a factory-set levelling of the integrated frame as a standard, to make loading operations on the fields easier. The 4-cylinder engine can reach up to 2,300 rpm, while complying with the requirements of Tier IV Final regulation. The heavy load lift with CS (suspended cab) is available as an optional. The driver’s compartment with hydropneumatic suspensions, present in the standard tractor, is offered only by Merlo for telescopic handlers. Moreover, the configuration with hydrostatic transmission with continuous variation “CVTRONIC” is available as an option.
The potentiometer offers a practical solution. As an option, the driver can increase or decrease the engine rpm by means of the controls in the cab. Its operation is independent from the throttle pedal and allows the operator to significantly adjust the reaction times of the machine depending on the loading conditions.
As all Turbofarmers, also the TF 45.11 can be used as a tractor, at 40 km/h. The machines are equipped with boom limit stop damper, the so-called “soft stop”. The quick gear change system ZM3 for agricultural machines can be activated from the cab. In addition, the manufacturer paid special attention to make an easily accessible engine compartment. In this way the engine unit, the filters or the oil level rod can be easily reached with your hand.
The 11-metre telescopic handler is specially suitable for biogas plant operators. Dirk Heidbreder, (regional Sales Manger for Merlo Deutschland) says: “The fact is that systems become increasingly big and rental costs for silos are rising. This is where Merlo saw a great opportunity. It took a pre-existing 5 t frame and equipped it with a 3-element articulated boom. This is how an aggressive handling equipment was designed, allowing us to perform pick-ups from great heights.”
Fischer biogas systems in Unterpleichfeld, near Würzburg, have a power of 380 kW. Furthermore, the company is in charge of the fattening of 160 bulls. Following their experience with the 9-metre machine, farmers now want a Merlo TF 45.11. The height of their silos in some periods reaches about 8 m. The operator of Hermann Fischer systems confirms: “In these cases, we need a bit more freedom, capacity and length. And the 11-metre Merlo model is perfect to meet such need.”
