MERLO PRESS RELEASE FOR AGRITECHNICA EXHIBITION · MERLO PRESS RELEASE FOR AGRITECHNICA EXHIBITION ... consumption reduction up to 30% comes as standard Merlo reduces the consumption

PRESS RELEASEEN

MERLO PRESS RELEASE FOR

AGRITECHNICA EXHIBITION

September 2013

A COMPLETELY NEW PRODUCT LINE UPIntroductionMerlo S.p.A is taking part in Agritechnica 2013 with an impressive number of new products that underline the company vocation as a constant technological leader. On its stand, C15 - Hall 6, visitors will be able to see not only new products, but also the birth of a completely new generation of product with contents that are innovative in terms of their design, engineering and production. A huge step forward, to guarantee the highest level of automation in the production process (delivering top quality products) and make all the best technologies available for the entire range.

An innovative manufacturing method and brand new products, that Merlo will disclose here in Germany – a country where the brand is the telehandler market leader – at the dawn of its golden jubilee: the company was established in 1964 by Amilcare Merlo and his sister Natalina Merlo, and has been designing the future for 50 years.

The driving values behind the new product line-up were:

- Safety; - Effi ciency - Versatility; - Comfort

New design and manufacturing methodsAll models will share the same technologies, so that production can be automatised to increase the quality level for the customer and provide the most innovative contents on even the most compact telehandlers. The production plant in Cuneo (Italy) has been completely renewed to accommodate the new method. Each main part of the machine will be sub-assembled and fully tested in order to obtain the maximum quality, before being transferred to the main line for fi nal assembly. At the end of the line the telehandler is complete, customised and duly tested. The aim of this product revolution is to speed up the ordering and assembly process, increase quality and effi ciency, and make all contents available at every level in order to keep Merlo among the leading brands in terms of optimum quality, innovative products and excellent manufacturing solutions

“Cross-range” technologiesThe technologies that will be available across the whole range have been developed to maintain the Merlo mission in terms of safety, effi ciency, comfort and productivity. The following solutions will be implemented fi rst on the Turbofarmer & Multifarmer models presented at Agritechnica, and then on all the new launches.

BUILDING WITH CONFIDENCE.www.merlo.com

PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2013 - AGRITECHNICA



Merlo CDC system: safety beyond EN 15000 comes as standardMerlo has always supported safety standards, so it designed and patented the M CDC system adopted on Merlo telehandlers. The “Dynamic front stability control” function is always operative, and is fully automatic. It takes into account the main agricultural activities and automatically recognises all the Merlo attachments with a CDC sensor. It is therefore practical and easy to use, and offers safety standard levels beyond current EN15000. At the same time, it allows quick boom operations to increase productivity and save time. The operator’s interface is user-friendly and provides the necessary information on an 8.5” colour display. It is also equipped with a weighting system for determining the net weight with an allowance of 5% (which will be further reduced to 3% in due time). Single loads can also be shown on the display. The system calculates the total weight handled at the end of each shift. When driving backwards, the rear working area is shown on the screen by a camera (optional) to further increase the safety level.

Merlo EPD system: consumption reduction up to 30% comes as standardMerlo reduces the consumption of its telehandlers by up to 30%, thanks to the introduction of the EPD system The EPD (Eco Power Drive) provides three manual operating modes: - Transport & Tow, to attain or maintain minimum fuel consumption - Heavy Load, to obtain maximum performance during particularly demanding tasks such as excavation or snow clearance - Inching Mode, for manoeuvres in confi ned spaces and for accurate load positioning

It consists of a wireless gas pedal connected to the EPD electronic box, which manages the diesel engine rpm according to fuel-saving parameters set in the electronic box. The EPD minimizes fuel consumption and maximizes performance. Practical tests have shown fuel savings of 3,000 litres per 1,000 hrs annual usage, which represents more than 3,600 Euros saved annually.



Light weight is a value for a hi-tech telehandler, for reducing consumption tooIt is essential to evaluate the ratio between the weight of the machine and its lifting capacity in order to highlight the potential telehandler performance and machine consumption. The lower the ratio, the better the performance. Merlo products have a ratio lower than 2, meaning that any Merlo machine weighs less than twice its lifting capacity, whist the competitors are usually above this threshold. For example the New Turbofarmer 50.8 weighs 1200kg less than its lightest competitor. In practice, a favourable ratio means that the machine has been conceived and designed accurately; the lower weight leads to fuel savings too. In agriculture, machines with a lower weight are appreciated because they provide less soil compaction and better overall performance, with a higher degree of versatility.

The new cab: fi rst-class comfort and roominessNew models are equipped with a brand new cab, more than one meter wide (1010mm). It’s the roomiest cab in its category.The windscreen is curved (see image 1) and, thanks to the lower chassis end streamlined bonnet, it ensures 360° visibility. The glass roof also means that the load can be seen even when it is right overhead, at its maximum height.The ergonomics were carefully studied to ensure that all the main controls are concentrated in the driver’s visual area, and are easy to access. It’s equipped with a dual reverse shuttle system located on both the joystick and the steering wheel column.Easy cab access is guaranteed by the generous dimensions of the door (870mm), that can be opened 180° (with the possibility to split the upper and lower parts) and unlocked from both inside & outside by a button (see images 2 and 3).

Light weight is a value for a hi-tech telehandler, for reducing consumption tooLight weight is a value for a hi-tech telehandler, for reducing consumption tooLight weight is a value for a hi-tech telehandler, for reducing consumption tooLight weight is a value for a hi-tech telehandler, for reducing consumption too

Of course, the cabin is ROPS-FOPS tested and approved; the FOPS protection above the upper glass (outside the cab) ensures maximum protection of the glass in the event of objects accidentally falling onto the roof. The cab is particularly roomy.The air-conditioning system is brand new, and developed according to automotive standards. There is an air intake on the cab LHS, to provide cleaner air (see image 4).

Eight air vents have been conveniently located inside the cab to ensure uniform air fl ow distribution: four are dedicated to windscreen defrosting, three for the operator’s front body ventilation, and one for his feet (see images 5 and 6).





1 2

3

4 5

6



Suspended cab: a unique Merlo product for premium comfortMerlo is the only telehandler manufacturer able to offer a suspended cab system.With the new range, this feature will be available for the whole product line-up. The Merlo mission is to offer high-standard features that every customer can benefi t from. The suspended cab is equipped with a hydro-pneumatic system. The suspension system is so accurate and effi cient that the cab literally seems to levitate when the operator switches on the system. All chassis vibration is absorbed by the system, and the operator benefi ts from a higher comfort level; the difference compared with a non-suspended cab is immediately felt.

The accurate design and fi rst-class soundproofi ng materials adopted, as well as the suspended cab system, guarantee improved comfort in terms of low noise levels and vibrations as well.



New MCVTronic transmission: productivity boostAnother fundamental feature that will be available across the whole range is the brand new MCVTronic transmission. It is built in-house, following the company’s strategy to design and manufacture highly technological components directly affecting key telehandler performance. The new hydrostatic transmission is designed with two hydrostatic motors. At low speeds, they work together to ensure the maximum torque (28% higher than conventional hydrostatic transmissions). During transport operations, one motor is automatically disengaged by the system to ensure better hydrostatic effi ciency. In this way, all the hydrostatic power fl ows to the remaining motor, which generates a top speed of 50 kph (where allowed). This solution allows smooth and constant acceleration without torque interruption, even during heavy working situations, thereby saving time and increasing productivity.



Tilting & Levelling: the right position in any conditionTo increase productiveness and work safety, also the Tilting and tilting+levelling features will be available across the range. When purchasing the telehandler, customers will also be able to request the tilting function separate from levelling, for maximum fl exibility. In this case too, Merlo is the only telehandler manufacturer able to offer the tilting function for agricultural applications; this new solution will extend its range in comparison with its competitors.

The New Product line-upMerlo offers the most complete range of telehandlers for agriculture in the world, covering farmers’ every possible need with more than 50 products, each one engineered for a specifi c customer requirement (see image 1).Starting from the two product families – Turbofarmer (image 2) and Multifarmer (image 3) - the products on show will renew and further widen our product range, strengthening Merlo’s position as one of the world’s leading telehandler manufacturers.

New Turbofarmer range At Agritechnica, Merlo will be presenting the fi rst models of the new Turbofarmer range divided into two families: Heavy-Duty (TF50.8, TF45.8, TF45.11) and Medium-Duty (40.7).



Turbofarmer Heavy-Duty family: the TF50.8TThe Turbofarmer family is Merlo’s best-seller range in the agricultural sector, widely appreciated for its versatility and performance. This very popular range will be completed by the Heavy-Duty version, Turbofarmer 50.8, on show at the Merlo stand.

The Turbofarmer TF50.8T is equipped with a tier IIIB engine with 155hp, a mechanical PTO with 135hp output, a 20-ton trailer hitch, an external hydraulic system and a swinging drawbar. Its main purpose is to meet agricultural, dairy farming and cattle operations thanks to its versatility, performance and manoeuvrability.

The 8-metre telescopic boom and 5-ton lift capacity are ideal for material handling. New innovative features have been developed for haulage and for trailed implement activities such as disc harrowing, PTO operations with trailed implements such as cutter-mixer wagon, pneumatic seeder, mowers, sprayers, round balers etc.The Turbofarmer 50.8 is also ideal for biogas activities as it has sturdy, fast and user-friendly telehandlers. The heavy-duty family will be completed with a further two models – the TF45.8T and the TF45.11T. They are all identifi ed with a “T” to indicate that the Tilting version will be standard.



Turbofarmer Medium-Duty family: the TF40.7

With the new TF40.7, Merlo further improves one of its best-selling models in terms of features and performance. The New TF40.7 displays the potential of the new industrial philosophy introduced by Merlo. Thanks to Merlo technological know-how, facilities and options, it can be fully customised.It can be equipped with two engines (120hp or 155hp) and a mechanical PTO (this is an additional feature compared with the previous model).It offers the same features as the previous TF40.7, such as suspended cab, tilting, levelling and CVTronic. The specifi cations mentioned above will ensure maximum safety and minimum fuel consumption (MCDC & EPD will be standard).

Multifarmer conceptThe fi rst Multifarmer machine was launched in the year 2000 and, ever since, it has played an important role in the Merlo product range and in the worldwide agricultural scenario, as it was the fi rst telehandler to be equipped with a rear mechanical PTO, hydraulic lift, 3-point linkage and external hydraulic system. The above-mentioned features allowed the use of suspended agricultural implements - the same ones fi tted on conventional tractors.



Milestones ProjectThanks to its unique characteristics, the Multifarmer was one of the twelve products chosen by the DLV publishing house as part of its twelve-month coordinated campaign - “Milestones in Agricultural Engineering” - to identify the most infl uential agricultural machines of all time.

Merlo Multifarmer is the only telehandler included in the ranking list, thanks to its innovative design and versatility. The new Multifarmer 40.9 will therefore be shown on both the Merlo stand and in Hall 7 (dedicated to the Milestones project).

Multifarmer Heavy-Duty: the 40.9Thanks to Merlo’s experience with Multifarmer products, it has now developed a brand new model called Multifarmer 40.9.

It follows the same concept as the original Multifarmer, based on versatility to suit a wide variety of Heavy-Duty tasks from material handling to fi eld operations and transport activities. It will be manufactured according to a new approach based on modularity to ensure high quality and production fl exibility – Merlo’s next major manufacturing evolution.



Multifarmer 40.9 will be the Merlo fl agship at Agritechinca. As a telehandler it offers a 4-ton boom lifting capacity and 9-meter boom extension suitable for any farm activity. It is powered by a 156HP Stage3B/Tier4 interim 4-cylinder engine and will be equipped with a 7-ton rear hydraulic lift, electronically controlled with lower sensing draft control. Cat. III 3-point linkage, 135 HP rear PTO. Four electronically-managed external control valves. Inside the cab, the main controls are located on a specifi c arm rest to ensure fi rst-class operating comfort. In addition to the above mentioned specifi cations, Multifarmer 40.9 can be ordered with a sliding hitch or D3, 20-ton hitch and a hydraulic or pneumatic trailer braking system for maximum performance.

MERLO S.P.A.

Via Nazionale, 9 - 12010 S. Defendente di Cervasca - Cuneo - Italia

Tel. +39 0171 614111 - Fax +39 0171 684101

www.merlo.com - [email protected]

Documents

MERLO PRESS RELEASE FOR AGRITECHNICA EXHIBITION · MERLO PRESS RELEASE FOR AGRITECHNICA EXHIBITION ... consumption reduction up to 30% comes as standard Merlo reduces the consumption