The telehandler, top-level multi-functionality
Telehandlers are characterized by their great manoeuvrability in tight spaces, but above all for the extreme versatility they have gained over time. From the management of forage to that of wastewater and biomass, up to the most diverse operations of loading and unloading materials, telescopic handlers provide a precious support on the farm. Sophisticated technologies characterize the new models, which also feature systems to ensure cost-effectiveness in consumption and safety in operations
Despite their usually compact size, telehandlers can still boast 4-wheel drive, 2 steering axles (often with different management modes), a comfortable driver’s cab, and above all a hydraulically operated telescopic boom with excellent performance. On the farm, it is very valuable for handling different types of material, typically loading and unloading, transporting and positioning bales of hay and straw, packaged and loose, and the management of solid waste waters (manure, solid digestate), etc..
In any case, its adaptability to different work settings makes this machine a very valid alternative to a tractor with front loader. With the spread of anaerobic digestion plants, the telescopic handler has also become an indispensable means to facilitate the management and handling of the products that are used to feed the system.
This is a machine that has recently evolved with the application of the tractor’s typical features, namely the tow hook, the rear 3-point linkage and the power take-off, so as to be able to carry out many operations coupled with various devices. The only real limit is perhaps the execution of the deep soil processing, where the tractor can typically boast a superior pulling capacity.
Three categories
The lifting capacity and the maximum height reached by the telescopic boom are the main technical features by which the various models are classified. There are many choices on the market. Compact or “mini”: these are lifts suitable for small producers, such as greenhouses, nurseries and horticultural companies, where versatility and manageability in tight spaces are fundamental. A small footprint then becomes important (less than 2 metres wide and approximately 4 metres long) and an unladen mass not exceeding 5,000 kg. The maximum lifting capacity is around 2,600 kg, while the maximum height of the boom is 5-6 m. The engines have a limited power (50-60 kW); medium capacity lifts: this is the most popular category. These models adapt well to the most varied operational realities: the overall size increases (2 m in width and 4.5-5 m in length), the maximum capacity varies between 3,000 and 4,000 kg, while the maximum heights of the arm range from 6 to 12 m. The engine has variable power between 55 and 80 kW; “maxi”: these are models for heavy use, with a robust structure, suitable for lifting heavy weights. The maximum capacity reaches and sometimes exceeds 6,000 kg, while the maximum height of the boom exceeds 10 m, with a few machines reaching as much as 15 m. The maximum engine power varies between 100 and 130 kW.
The peculiarities of the machine
The lifting functions are ensured by a hydraulic circuit, so the flow rate of the feed pump is a key aspect indicative of performance. Also in this case there is a lot of variability: we go from 80-110 l/min for medium-small models up to 200-250 l/min for larger ones.
The transmission is hydrostatic, with electronic control or CVT (actuated with axial piston engines) to ensure ease of use, especially considering that the loading, unloading and lifting operations are those that often require quick changes in power requirement, so the pump (and therefore the motor that drives it) are subject to sudden changes, regarding flow rate for the former and torque and rotation speed for the latter. This sometimes results in high diesel consumption and polluting gas emissions: for this last aspect, it is therefore essential to make use of the most advanced emission abatement solutions, in compliance with the recent European directives.
Conversely, the reduction in fuel consumption is achieved with original devices, developed by the manufacturers. For example, the EPD (Eco Power Drive) developed by Merlo allows a reduction in consumption up to 18% compared to traditional models, thanks to the automatic adjustment of the engine speed according to the load, particularly by “smoothing” the power peaks. The emission of exhaust gases is also drastically reduced. For a more precise adaptation to the various operating conditions, the EPD is structured in three different operating modes: economic, heavy load (to handle heavy loads), and speed control (for transfers), which can be managed independently by the driver using the joystick, equipped, among other things, with a reverser for the direction of travel and a set of controls for precise millimetric movements. In this regard, the curved windshield provides optimum visibility of the area of operation. The excellent manoeuvrability of telehandlers is further enhanced by the performance of the steering, which can act on all 4 wheels. Just like on many other operating machines, the management methods are of three types, namely the steering of the front wheels only, of all 4 wheels, and crabbing.
As far as lifting is concerned, all models are now equipped with Dynamic Load Control (CDC), which guarantees operational safety, avoiding possible overturning caused by unbalanced handling of materials. Among other things, the CDC makes it possible to exploit the potential of the machine, because the driver can continuously check the vehicle’s stability. In practice, the loaded weight, the height and the angle of inclination of the arm are monitored, so as to be able to warn the operator with an alarm, if a critical balancing of the machine is being reached. A traffic light logic is used: when a critical situation occurs (still maintaining an appropriate safety margin), the extension of the arm is automatically locked, and the only possible operation is its recovery, so as to restore conditions of complete stability.
The importance of the telescopic arm
The lifting arm is obviously a fundamental component of this type of vehicle, as are the terminal tools that can be coupled to it, including forks and grippers for round bales and large square bales (also wrapped), forks and manure blades (also with jaw), hooks and platforms, etc.
The cab
For obvious space issues, the cab has a smaller volume on the telescopic handler than a cab usually installed on a tractor. With a width of 1.01 m, the cab mounted on the Merlo models optimizes the internal volume, which is however extremely accurate for acoustic comfort and above all thermal comfort. The air conditioning system can guarantee a temperature difference of 21° in summer conditions (reducing the temperature from 43° to 22°) and even 41° in winter (from -15° to 26°), also thanks to 8 nozzles, of which three specifically dedicated to defrosting the windscreen.
For vibrational comfort, the hydropneumatic suspension of the vehicle (which can be activated by the operator) is also available, as well as a comfortable seat with pneumatic suspension.
Access and descent from the driver’s seat is also facilitated, thanks to the complete opening (180°) of the doors.
Also hybrid
Awarded the gold medal at one of the previous editions of Agritechnica, the Merlo 42.7 Hybrid mounts a diesel engine with only 56 kW of power, instead of the 100 kW or more of the corresponding traditional models. Especially in confined spaces, it is suitable for operating in fully electric mode, with an operating range of 2 hours at full power and 4 in eco mode.
In addition to the well-known general advantages of hybrid vehicles, in an average work cycle this Merlo model shows a reduction in diesel consumption of at least 30%. Furthermore, the noise level is significantly lower in the hybrid mode, also because the endothermic engine operates at a limited and constant rotation speed, in a condition of maximum efficiency of the performance curve.
The battery pack can be recharged directly from the mains (or even through a local network powered by photovoltaic panels), allowing the vehicle to always operate in full electric mode, i.e. without any polluting gas emission.
Tests carried out both on the bench and on the track have shown that the operation in completely electric mode occurs without compromises, guaranteeing target performance, in terms of traction and lifting.
Considering the diesel savings compared to the corresponding traditional diesel engine version, Merlo states that the return time on the greater initial investment for the purchase of this version can be as little as two years.
