Forklifts NW is a trustworthy dealer chain in NorthWest Province distributing, amongst others, the Merlo range of telescopic handlers and Toyota, JCB en Clark forklifts. Forklifts NW sell, lease, service and also repair the machinery.

At the NAMPO Show one sees the conspicuous Forklifts NW stand from far away. They only exhibit their green long-necked monsters – the Merlo equipment. The Merlo Group is known as the number one in technology and safety in agricultural machinery. They have the widest range of telescopic handlers on the market, and their unique technology not only saves the farmer time, but also ensures safety and ease of operation.

The Merlo telehandler is utilised as a pickup-and-carry tool to move bales, clean feedlots, for depositing feed in troughs, and can also be used productively by poultry breeders, nurseries, fruit growers and municipalities.

 These telehandlers are versatile, easy to operate en extremely efficient. The panoramic-view cabin is 1 010 mm wide and until now the widest cabin on the market. The operator can, at all times, see what he and the machine is doing in front, on the sides and at the back of his vision range, and whatever it carries, can be deposited with pinpoint accuracy where it is wanted.

 According to Shawn Harris of Forklifts NW the advantages of the Merlo telehandlers are:

• Compact machines which fit into smaller areas;
• Equal weight distribution;
• Solid protective steel around the machine;
• Hydraulic, hydrostatic drive;
• Not fitted with automatic power transmission or torque converter, which improves control and precision; and
• Provides a panoramic operator’s view.

The two telescopic handlers exhibited by Forklifts NW at NAMPO comply with Level 2 ROPS and FOPS-standards.

The P40.17 EE stabilised panoramic

• Load sensing hydraulic system with regenerating device;
• Beam suspension system (optional);
• Electronically controlled axle suspension system (optional);
• Independent stabilisers;
• Level 3 engine of 73,5 kW; and
• Variable displacement piston pump with load-sensing control.

P72.10 EE high capacity panoramic

This telescopic handler has the biggest and most comfortable cabin in its category. Its maximum lifting capacity is 7,2 tons (7 200 kg) and it can lift a load 10 metres high. The engine delivers 73,5 kW.

What it means when cabin structure complies with the international standards of FOPS en ROPS:

FOPS stands for falling object protective structure, which means the structure will protect operators against falling objects.

ROPS stands for roll-over protective structure, which means the structure will protect operators should the machine topple over.

Let’s take a closer look at the cabin:

• Cabin height = 1,77 m (P 27.6EE) and 2 m (P 28.8EE-P 32.6EE);
• Plenty of space in the cabin;
• 4,3 m² window glass;
• Transparent cabin roof for maximum visibility when picking up loads;
• Air conditioned;
• Forward and reverse selector on the steering column (optional) – fingertip control allows the operator to keep both hands on the steering wheel for maximum control and safety;
• Full series of carefully designed analogue and digital instruments;
• Soundproof panels prevent the operator from hearing any engine noise; and
• The door opens to 180°.

Various tools, such as different fork applications, can be fitted to the machine – manure forks, hay forks, round bale clamps and tree trunk lifters. These attachments ensure efficiency as the farmer does not have to buy separate implements to do the work. The Tac-Lock quick attachment system is hydraulically controlled from the cab for fast connecting and disconnecting of equipment.

To obtain more information about these efficient and dependable telehandlers, phone (landline) 014-597-1010, or send an email to sales@forkliftsnw.co.za or visit their website at www.forkliftsnw.com.