European users explain why they chose the Merlo e-WORKER telehandler
San Defendente di Cervasca (CN) Italy, April 2026 - Merlo S.p.A. is the world-leading Italian company in the design and manufacture of telehandlers. The first company in Europe to industrialise this technology, the Cuneo-based firm is now synonymous with innovation, safety and Made in Italy quality. Always attentive to market developments and operator safety, in recent years it has expanded its range with the introduction of the e-WORKER electric telehandlers: compact, zero-emission machines with outstanding operational potential, designed to reduce fuel consumption, noise and vibrations without compromising on performance.
With a load capacity of 2,500 kg, a lift height of 5 metres and a power output of 90 hp, the e-WORKER offers an excellent balance of efficiency, sustainability and safety.
Focus on safety: protection and reliability in every context
“Minimal noise and exceptional manoeuvrability” (OMEC)
Safety is the foundation of the e-WORKER project. Every detail has been designed to ensure stability, control and protection, improving working conditions and reducing operational risks, even in complex environments. The electric drive helps create a safer and more comfortable environment, both for the operator and for those working around the machine.
As highlighted by OMEC, an Ancona-based company specialising in hire and logistics: “The e-WORKER is electric, zero-emission and extremely quiet. It is compact and manoeuvrable, making it ideal for working in confined spaces. It is also easy to use, making it perfect even for less experienced operators, who can work safely from the outset.”
Panoramic cab: total visibility and protection
The ROPS and FOPS-certified cab guarantees protection in the event of a rollover or falling objects, without compromising on visibility. The structure is designed to provide constant control of the load and the work area, even during the most delicate operations. The large glass surface ensures optimal visibility in every direction, improving precision and safety during manoeuvres. On request, the e-WORKER can also be equipped with a aerial work platform featuring basket-mounted controls, enabling work at heights of up to 7 metres with controlled speed and maximum safety.
Zero emissions: safety for the environment, people and animals
With zero emissions, we work without disturbing the horses” (Azelhof Horse Events)
The fully electric drive eliminates emissions and drastically reduces noise and vibrations, making the e-WORKER ideal for indoor environments, urban areas and sensitive settings. For organisations such as Azelhof Horse Events, a Belgian equestrian centre, this is a key advantage: “It operates quietly and emission-free, allowing us to work without disturbing the horses.”
Chassis and braking: safety from the ground up
The compact, reinforced chassis is designed to withstand impacts and stress even in the most demanding conditions. The steel belt and underbody protection ensure long-term durability and reliability. The braking system, featuring oil-immersed disc brakes and an automatic electro-hydraulic parking brake, ensures stability and control in every situation, even on slopes, preventing unintended movements.
Performance: compact, responsive and surprisingly powerful
The e-WORKER combines compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and power. The rear steering system, with a steering angle of up to 85°, enables extremely precise manoeuvres, reducing the turning radius and improving agility in tight spaces. Available in 2WD or 4WD versions, it adapts to a variety of operating environments while consistently maintaining smooth handling and control.
Electric drive: instant responsiveness
“No need to wait: it’s ready to go straight away” (Dennel Srl)
The electric drive ensures an instant response and exceptionally smooth operation. No warm-up time is required, providing an immediate advantage in terms of operational readiness.
“There’s no need to wait for the engine to warm up: it’s faster and we can move it around easily,” says Dennel Srl. The ECO, POWER and POWER+ modes allow performance and energy consumption to be adapted to different requirements. As Sofia Ciotti from the Marche-based company Ciotti Ponteggi also points out: “With the e-WORKER, we’ve been able to carry out jobs that would otherwise have taken much longer and been far more complex.”
Hydraulics: movement precision and control
“A major advantage: it can be used both indoors and outdoors” (OMEC)
The hydraulic system enables smooth and precise simultaneous movements, improving efficiency in day-to-day operations. “It combines various technical features with one major advantage: it can be used both indoors and outdoors,” OMEC emphasises once again.
Efficiency and autonomy: operational continuity
“We can use it for up to two or three days on a single charge” (Ciotti)
The e-WORKER is designed to guarantee up to 8 hours of continuous operation. Its energy management system reduces consumption and downtime, improving work organisation. The quick-release battery system and straightforward recharging help maintain high productivity levels. “We can use it for two or three days with a single charge,” says Ciotti.
Reduced operating costs: greater value over time
Electric drive eliminates fuel consumption and reduces maintenance requirements.
“It reduces operating costs and eliminates noise pollution,” all users point out.
Comfort: designed with the operator in mind
Comfort is an integral part of performance. The ergonomic cab, reduced noise and vibrations, and the intuitive layout of the controls make work easier and less tiring. A suspension seat, all-round visibility and integrated controls allow the operator to work more smoothly and productively.
Lighting and interface: operational simplicity in all conditions
The LED headlights ensure visibility even in low-light conditions, while the simplified user interface reduces fatigue and enhances the driving experience.
As Sofia Ciotti concludes: “Being compact, it allows you to work even in difficult spaces, simplifying daily operations such as unloading and positioning materials.”
What makes the e-WORKER a truly innovative solution is not only the technology itself, but also the method behind its development. For Merlo, ongoing dialogue with operators is not merely a formality, but a defining element of its design philosophy. By listening to those who use the machines daily, across the most diverse and complex contexts, the company is able to identify the real needs on which effective solutions can be built.
The testimonials gathered tell precisely this story: a constant dialogue between the company and its users that results in increasingly safe, intuitive and high-performance machinery. It's an ap-proach that enables Merlo to anticipate market demands and develop technologies capable of genuinely improving work in the field.
