The importance of stability in telehandlers
Why stability is crucial in lifting operations
Stability is one of the key elements to ensure efficiency and safety when working with telehandlers. During load lifting, shifting or positioning manoeuvres, the slightest imbalance can jeopardise the entire operation. This is why handlers must ensure a constant, predictable and controlled balance, regardless of the environmental conditions or type of terrain.
The risk of tipping and loss of control
During lifting operations, even the slightest imbalance can cause tipping or loss of control with serious risks to the operator and the environment. Stability is therefore an essential requirement to ensure safety.
A stable vehicle is not only safer, but also allows working faster, with greater precision and less fatigue. Stability has a direct impact on operational continuity and the quality of the end result.
Stability as a key element in the design of Merlo machines
Merlo places stability at the heart of its design approach, developing optimised chassis, lowered centre of gravity, side cabs and control technologies that ensure balance and active safety in every configuration.
Types of stability in telehandlers
Static stability concerns the balance of the machine when it is not in motion, but with the boom extended or load positioned. Designing good static stability means avoiding dangerous tilting and guaranteeing hold even when fully loaded.
Dynamic stability is crucial during shifting, steering and boom movements. It requires a combination of effective suspension, weight distribution and electronic controls to avoid sudden imbalances.
The position and weight of the load, the length of the extended boom and ground conditions strongly influence the machine's centre of gravity and behaviour. Proper management of these factors is crucial to maintaining stability.
Factors influencing operational stability
Uneven terrain, slopes, wet or unstable surfaces can compromise stability. Merlo designs its handlers to offer grip and control even in adverse environmental conditions.
Extending the boom, especially when tilted sideways or frontally, changes the centre of gravity. Automatic correction systems and load limiters help keep the machine within safe parameters.
The type of equipment mounted and the way it is used affect the balance of the machine. Merlo attachments are designed to optimally distribute the weight and ensure manoeuvrability.
On construction sites or in agricultural areas, the presence of physical obstacles and the need to operate in confined spaces requires a design focused on stability. Merlo responds with compact designs and high manoeuvrability.
Merlo solutions for superior stability
The ASCS system monitors the operating parameters in real time and adjusts the machine’s behaviour to avoid overloading and unbalancing. An essential contribution to active safety.
On certain models, Merlo implements a shifting chassis to correct lateral position and active suspension to absorb ground irregularities, improving comfort and dynamic stability.
The telescopic boom centred in relation to the chassis improves weight distribution and provides greater transverse stability.
Automatic stabilisers in rotating models
Merlo Roto vehicles are equipped with stabilisers that extend automatically to widen the supporting base and improve stability even on uneven surfaces. Essential for operations at height and with full rotation.
Each machine is equipped with intelligent sensors, advanced digital interfaces and preventive alerts that guide the operator and intervene automatically to preserve balance.
Merlo models designed for maximum stability
Roto telehandlers integrate stabilisers, rotating turrets and ASCS, offering perfect balance in any load configuration and orientation.
Models with high lifting capacity have reinforced chassis and low centre of gravity to ensure stability even with heavy loads on difficult terrain.
The Turbofarmer and Multifarmer ranges are designed for agricultural environments and offer grip and stability even on mud, slopes or uncompacted soil.
Stability in real application contexts
When placing materials on scaffolding or elevated floors, stability is essential to ensure the safety of the operator and the precision of load placement.
In uneven or muddy ground conditions, Merlo telehandlers ensure stability when travelling, loading and unloading, guaranteeing high performance.
Forest maintenance and natural environments
In forests and parks, the presence of roots, rocks or uneven ground requires vehicles that maintain their balance, even on bends, during lifting or transport.
In closed environments or with narrow passageways, precision in movement and lateral stability are crucial to avoid accidents and ensure continuity in logistics flows.
Merlo stability: safety and quality
Choosing Merlo means relying on a design focused on operational stability, the result of decades of experience, engineering innovation and attention to the operating environment. Each machine is designed to offer high performance, long-term reliability and uncompromising safety.