NBuoyed by a new direct-from-the-factory supply line, Merlo distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales has released details of its new, revised Panoramic telehandler – a model range described by their general manager, Denis McGrath as ‘a real game changer’ in terms of visibility, safety and comfort.
Finished in safety-focused, easy-to-see vivid green livery, and developed to meet the needs of small builders, large construction companies and rental outlets, pre-launch tests conducted by McGrath underlined a range of features such as the smoothness, sensitivity and refinement of controls within the cabin and the of controls that, he observed, made its operation akin to ‘treading a needle’.
Other features to grab McGrath’s attention were its ‘incredible’ hydraulics and the ability operators have to set limiters on the work equipment when going forward, left or right and raising loads up or down. Describing it as a ‘really good’ safety feature, this function ‘will assist drivers when working to the limits of each job site,’ he said.
Standout features include a completely renewed axle and stabilisers set-up, a new high-comfort cab, an increased use of technology that boosts safety standards, and other improvements that Merlo claims will deliver ‘unparalleled levels of performance and efficiency’.
Also notable are new stabilisers that can be independently operated, one at a time, to better aid stability and positioning on the ground. Spreading out within the machine’s own silhouette, each stabiliser has a footprint and grip designed to deliver excellent anchoring to the ground, even on soft or steep terrain. Safety is another plus point thanks to a standard-fit automatic load management and levelling system, Cabin is FOPS Level II and ROPS certified.
Fingertip precision comes from a hydrostatic transmission that ensures millimetric variations in the machine’s movements and the positioning of its load – achieved through a side-shift system that facilitates lateral movements of the boom up to 44.5cms without need to move the machine.
Mounted in a way that drastically reduces vibrations, its generous-size cabin ensures maximum comfort and visibility. Improving operating comfort is a tac-lock system for the hydraulic clamping of attachments.
Manoeuvrability and versatility are other winning features. Thanks to its compact and lightweight construction, and stabilisers that work within the footprint of the machine without increasing its size when in use, the Panoramic needs little manoeuvring space whilst having little ground impact. Its fully compatible range of attachments, interfaced with the machine’s automatic recognition system, allows it operate in a variety of demanding situations.
Equipped with hydrostatic transmission, 100hp models are equipped with EPD – Eco Power Drive electronic management that automatically reduces engine rpm when high power is not required. Dry disc brakes also make it possible to limit the absorption of energy thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Setting Merlo apart are two unique features – transversal levelling of the chassis and boom side-shift. Transversal levelling counteracts the effect of transversal slopes by operating on tyres and stabilisers to deliver maximum safety and allow for a perfectly vertical lifting of the boom. Boom side-shift delivers maximum operational precision with movement reaching 445mm per side without compromising the vehicle’s stability and safety.
Two Panoramic versions are offered – ENTRY and PLUS. Easy-to-use ENTRY models guarantee high-level performance and economic efficiency. Delivering reliability and performance, their new high-visibility cab, four-wheel drive, high ground clearance and 55kW-75HP engine combine to deliver excellent results in terms of performance, comfort and safety.
Equipped with what Merlo calls: ‘technology of the future’, PLUS models comply with strict Tier 4B emission regulations. Power output of 75kW-101HP combines with hydrostatic transmission and EPD electronic management to deliver a maximum speed of 40km/h whilst maintaining low fuel consumption.
Standard on PLUS versions is a large 10.1” colour display relaying all of the machine’s operating information. Using a dashboard control, functional limits such as speed and the geometric limitation of the work areas can be set. Machine management information is displayed simply and intuitively, while the page relating to load diagram, safety and stability is updated in real time based on operating conditions.
