These work vehicles are increasingly used for their versatility, ease of implement change, lower fuel consumption and safety.
April 2025
May marks a crucial phase of the year for agriculture. This is when the most intense work begins, involving soil preparation, sowing and maintenance of perennial crops. In this context, small tracked work vehicles prove to be valuable allies for farmers and operators in the sector, because they are unique, compact and high-performance, and above all capable of operating with precision even in complex conditions.
Imagine them working not in hectares of fields, but rather among the rows of a vineyard, in the narrow aisles of a nursery greenhouse, on hilly terrain, among small fruit crops, or inside cramped or damp storage warehouses.
This is where the experience of Merlo S.p.A. comes in, an Italian leader in the agricultural mechanisation sector, internationally recognised for the design of advanced machines, including the category of small tracked vehicles.
Let’s take a look at the tracked vehicles offered by Merlo and, above all, how they can be used in the period leading up to summer.
During spring, the ground can still be damp and unstable, which is where tracked vehicles, compared to traditional vehicles, guarantee greater grip and less soil compaction, making them ideal for operating on slopes or steep terrain, working in wet conditions or on sandy soils, and minimising structural damage to the agricultural land.
The small tracked vehicles and multifunction machines designed by Merlo perfectly meet this need thanks to their compact structure and advanced control systems that ensure optimal weight distribution and minimal soil compaction. The hydrostatic transmission also allows for smooth and progressive movements, reducing stress on the operator and the soil.
Merlo’s wide range of Cingo machines offers a complete solution for the most frequent tasks during this period: localised fertilisation, using different transport buckets, even in confined spaces between rows; shredding of post-pruning plant residues in orchards and vineyards; and soil preparation and levelling, particularly in horticultural contexts or nurseries.
It is also the time for any late pruning and the start of phytosanitary treatments, as well as for managing irrigation and weed control. In forestry, work is carried out to clear the undergrowth, remove fallen trees, maintain paths and plant trees for reforestation. In nurseries, transplanting and repotting, propagation by root cuttings, targeted fertilisation and the regulation of environmental parameters in greenhouses are intensified to promote healthy plant growth.
The Cingo range.
Merlo has made it possible to combine different models, engines and accessories to customise these vehicles according to specific needs, guaranteeing optimum performance, versatility and reliability. Merlo’s range of tracked vehicles now includes: the CINGO Transporter, the CINGO Multifunction tracked carrier, and the CINGO Electric tracked carrier.
Cingo Transporter: these are compact and manoeuvrable mini-dumpers, designed to guarantee safety and high performance. Equipped with hydraulic transmission, a low centre of gravity and intuitive controls, they can be fitted with dual-speed hydraulic motors or gear motors. An overcentre valve ensures optimal control and safety even on steep slopes. Changing attachments is made easier by the possibility of placing them on four feet, speeding up the adaptation of the vehicle to various operational requirements. Reliable and versatile, Cingo vehicles are ideal for transport in confined spaces and challenging terrain.
CINGO Multifunction tracked carrier: distinguished by its great adaptability. The patented quick coupling, with two steel arms and hydraulic control, allows for easy attachment changes, making the vehicle flexible for different uses. Models with hydrostatic transmission and gear motors include integrated brakes and excellent dynamic braking, improving safety. The hydraulic controls allow adjusting the speed from a few metres up to 5 km/h and manoeuvring with precision.
CINGO Electric tracked carrier: the Cingo electric line has been developed to offer maximum autonomy while optimising energy efficiency. It is equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery, electric gear motors and an electric pump that work together to ensure reliable performance in any context. Driving is quiet, smooth and precise, thanks to electric technology that reduces noise and improves comfort during use. In addition, the charging system complies with the most stringent automotive standards, ensuring safety, compatibility and fast charging times for continuous, uninterrupted use.
Design features.
The load capacity ranges from 500 to 1200 kg. The controls are located on an ergonomic panel for easy, intuitive operation. It can be equipped with petrol or diesel engines, or a fully electric motor. Traction is provided by tracks, making it suitable for any type of terrain, and the hydrostatic transmission uses hydraulic or electric variable displacement pumps.
Attachments.
There is a wide range of attachments available for Merlo Cingo tracked vehicles, maximising their versatility and range of uses, thanks in part to the innovative attachment change system that allows the operator to save valuable time during installation and achieve greater efficiency with ease and speed.
Among the most commonly used vehicles for pre-summer seasonal work are tipping bodies for transporting plant cuttings, the mulcher for shrubs, ideal for shredding pruning residues, stumps, small shrubs and for cleaning scarps and paths, the auger for accurately drilling holes in the ground to accommodate posts and supports or plant young plants, and the front blade, which allows for cleaning the barn, piling up loose material and levelling the ground.
Moreover, with the exclusive HANDLER 400 attachment, which is completely interchangeable with every other accessory designed for the multifunction system, the CINGO MULTIFUNCTION M12.3EVO model becomes a real compact telehandler. Supplied with forks as standard attachment, the telescopic boom can also be fitted with a wide variety of other attachments (shovels, fork with grab, log grapple and hook, etc.) for lifting and carrying.
In this context of intense spring activity, technological innovation plays an increasingly central role. Companies such as Merlo S.p.A., a historic Italian company in the field of agricultural and industrial mechanisation, represent a benchmark for the evolution of the sector.
With a strong focus on environmental sustainability and operator comfort, Merlo continues its project to develop increasingly smart, safe and efficient work vehicles, capable of reducing the physical load and improving the precision of operations. This demonstrates its commitment to offering high-tech tools to meet the challenges of modern agriculture, with a keen eye on the future and the quality of life of those who work in the field every day.
