Among the earliest harvesting processes is haymaking, which is vital to ensure livestock feed during the winter months. The grass is cut, left exposed to the sun and air for a few days so that the moisture it contains can evaporate. Then, it is raked, gathered, loaded onto vehicles, transported and stored. A simple process after all, were it not for the fact that the areas to be worked on are often huge and that modern companies exploit multiple plots of land and multiple sites far apart, where they have to organise warehouses, tool sheds, silos and so on.
Moving from one work site to another is already complex if you do not have an approved vehicle that can move, even quickly, between field and road. If the work to be done increases, especially for large sites, then it becomes necessary to have an innovative, reliable, safe and easily manoeuvrable aid at your disposal.
In this scenario, Merlo's range of Telescopic Tractors can offer valuable help: in moving, as we were saying, for the safety guarantee and for the power, but what is greatly appreciated by today's operators is the versatility in changing implements.
This facilitation is due to the 3-point linkage and the category 2 and 3 PTO, with 3000 kg and 7000 kg maximum capacity, and a mechanical power take-off with electronic engagement with speeds of 540 and 1000 rpm; thepatented implement recognition and the effective Tac-lock hydraulic locking system in particular allow for rapid implement changes, as well as automatic configuration of the operating parameters, all to the benefit of operator safety.
These special tractors - there are 8 models in the range - have a load capacity between 3400 kg and 4400 kg depending on the configuration, MF34 and MF44 in particular, with lift heights ranging from 7 to 9 m; the 34 series tractors are powered by four 136 hp Deutz cylinders, while the 44 series is powered by 170 hp Fpt Industrial.
Speed on the road is up to 40 km/h, and the type-approval as an agricultural tractor with a telescopic boom allows the towing of trailers - many times used in moving large quantities of hay bales for example - thanks to different hitching and braking solutions.
The cab of the Multifarmer - as in all Merlo telehandlers - provides unparalleled comfort and, above all, unparalleled visibility; in fact, a detailed design of the bonnet and of the glass surface has been studied with the aim of ensuring fast, safe and precise operations, while three different brushes ensure perfect window cleaning even in difficult conditions or in heavy rain.
In addition to ample visibility, all Merlo models are also equipped with the ASCS (Adaptive Stability Control System) safety system, which ensures perfect prevention from the risk of the machine tipping over from the front when handling a load, as well as regulating the speed and maximum extent of movements.
Finally, to ensure a reduction in consumption and operating costs, Merlo tractors boast full electronic management of the transmission and engine, in order to minimise RPM and, consequently, fuel demand.
With the Multifarmer range, Merlo has created a vehicle that is indispensable to today's agricultural operators; the most appreciated feature is precisely the combination of two apparently distant souls: the power and strength of the tractor and the ductility and versatility of the telescopic boom.