From logistics to maintenance on the SkyWay Monte Bianco, the TF30.9 takes centre stage in Courmayeur amid ice, steep slopes and heavy-duty handling.
San Defendente di Cervasca (CN), 3 June 2026 - Extreme operating conditions require machines that offer a combination of power, precision and reliability without compromise. It is in these contexts that Merlo telehandlers prove themselves to be among the most highly regarded and widely used machines for operators engaged in complex tasks.
One particularly significant case study comes from the maintenance of the SkyWay cable car, an iconic infrastructure at the foot of Mont Blanc. At the departure station in Entrèves, a hamlet of Courmayeur situated at an altitude of around 1300 metres, the Merlo TF30.9 telehandler was chosen to carry out routine and major maintenance work, which takes place twice a year, in May and November – when the cable car is closed.
During these phases, characterised by particularly challenging environmental conditions – including low temperatures, ice, sloping terrain and complex logistics – the TF30.9 has proven to be an indispensable ally. In fact, the machine is used to manage material flows, with numerous lorries to unload and organise within a few days, as well as for cleaning and tidying the car parks surrounding the departure station.
Equipped with forks, a bucket, a cleaning brush, a hook and a grapple, the TF30.9 reaffirms its operational versatility as a leader in the segment. Compact in size yet capable of lifting up to 3000 kg and reaching working heights of nearly 9 metres with its telescopic boom, this model represents an effective blend of performance and manoeuvrability.
Since its launch in 2015, the TF30.9 has redefined the compact telehandler concept, evolving over time in terms of comfort and engine options, without losing its distinctive features. These include agility, responsive and intuitive hydraulic control, and a modulated hydrostatic transmission, which ensure maximum precision even during the most delicate operations.
Particularly appreciated by operators is the machine’s ability to work in confined spaces, thanks to a high steering angle and the option to select three different steering modes, thus adapting to different operating conditions. The cab, among the most spacious in its class, ensures comfort and visibility, essential elements in challenging environments like mountainous terrain.
“It was very important to attend the training courses organised directly by the Merlo Training and Research Centre, which taught us how to use our self-propelled telehandler to its full potential and in complete safety, along with all its attachments.”
The story of Skyway Monte Bianco is unique, a project that required vision, rigorous design and impeccable management of the extreme conditions imposed by high altitude. From 1300 metres at Entrèves up to 3466 metres at Punta Helbronner, every stage – from construction to maintenance – is marked by unique operational complexities, where climate, logistics, safety and professionalism become decisive factors.
In this scenario, reliable and versatile solutions like Merlo’s TF30.9 are able to express their full potential, helping to ensure operational continuity and efficiency even where the mountains dictate the rules.
