Merlo Group Australia is set to expand its local product line-up with the upcoming release of the ROTO 50.26SEE PLUS rotating telehandler, sporting the full scope of features that have over the years come to be associated with its distinctive ROTO range, with a firm emphasis on productivity and versatility of use.
Established in Cuneo in 1964, Merlo draws on a long history of innovative product development, with the Italian manufacturer having brought its first ROTO model – distinguished by a revolving turret system capable of rotating 360°, meaning there is no need to reposition the machine – to market in 1991.
Catering to the evolving needs of its international customer base, Merlo has since steadily grown the ROTO product portfolio, which now comprises three separate product families: the Entry range, S-Classic range, and S-Plus range.
Across the wider ROTO range, Merlo has focused on developing machines that place a premium on ergonomics and ease of use, while its top-of-the-line S-Plus models have been designed to meet the needs of even the most demanding operators.
Belonging to the S-Plus line, the ROTO 50.26SEE PLUS is in turn decked out to deliver a premium operating experience, with it bringing together a finely tuned balance of technology and precision performance and incorporating a range of unique features.
ROTO 50.26SEE PLUS FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The ROTO 50.26SEE PLUS weighs in at 17.3t, has a maximum capacity of 5t, a maximum lifting height of 25.9m, and provides for continuous turret rotation, with it running a 125kW FPT NEF45 Tier 2 engine and capable of reaching a top speed of 40km/h.
The telescopic boom consists of five sections, comprising a double C profile in high-strength steel with welds along the neutral bending axis, while hydraulic hoses and electrical wires are positioned inside the boom, protecting against any possible impacts.
Meanwhile, further bolstering durability and providing an added layer of protection, the machine’s frame features a steel belt around the outside made from a metal bar 70mm in diameter.
Performance
The ROTO 50.26SEE PLUS’s hydrostatic transmission has been carefully configured to pave the way for a smooth operating experience.
It allows for millimetric variations in machine movements and load positioning, and with full-time four-wheel drive provides for excellent braking capacity, along with high levels of power and torque to the wheels.
In addition to this, performance benefits are delivered via:
• Suspension and levelling – the electronically controlled active suspension eliminates pitching, with locking of the axles providing for maximum stability, and levelling correction compensating for transverse and longitudinal slopes (lateral inclination: 12 per cent; frontal inclination: 4 per cent)
• Axles – manufactured by Merlo in-house, feature dry disc brakes to maximise braking capacity and minimise the machine’s consumption levels
• Hydraulic system – offers two configurations: LS pump and flow-sharing distributor, up to three simultaneous movements, with an oil flow rate of up to 140L/min; double LS pump and flow-sharing distributor, up to four simultaneous movements, with a flow rate of up to 260L/min.
Comfort
The cab has been designed with comfort in mind, measuring in at 1.01m in width and providing substantial roominess, with vibration-damping silent blocks harnessed to reduce both noise and vibrations.
In addition to this, it incorporates a pressurisation system, preventing the entry of dust, while operator comfort is further improved via an air-suspension seat with a raised backrest.
The cab is also equipped with the following features:
• Controls – from the ASCS (Adaptive Stability Control System) display to the steering wheel and transmission controls, the transmission display and pedal control unit, the controls are grouped for optimal ergonomics, with the reverse shuttle on the steering wheel also present on the joystick
• Smart armrest – incorporates the machine’s main operational commands: stabilisers, auxiliary hydraulic controls, suspension, steering, braking and transmission management
• Air conditioning – comprises eight vents, three of which are dedicated to defrosting the windscreen, with the flow configured to reach all areas
• Cab entry – the door can be opened at 180° for easy access, with it featuring an independent upper window
• Tilting cab – provides for greater comfort, improved ergonomics, and safety, with a dedicated button allowing operators to engage the system, tilting the cab vertically up to 20°
Safety
Merlo’s patented ASCS is capable of recognising the attachment being used and measuring the magnitude of the load being handled, maximising the speed of the hydraulic movements without any risks to the operator’s safety.
At the same time, operators can check all operating parameters in real time, viewing at which point the safety system will intervene by slowing down and stopping any problematic movements.
Additional safety features include:
• Cab – is compliant with the ISO 3449 FOPS Level II and ISO 3471 ROPS standards
• Automatic parking brake management – the system brakes the machine if the engine switches off, avoiding unintentional movements
• Self-stabilisation – operators can press a button to initiate the machine’s automatic frame stabilisation and tilt correction procedure
• Visibility – a 4.3m² glass surface provides for enhanced visibility
Efficiency
A four-wheel steering system and three steering modes – comprising front wheel steering, pivot steering and crab steering – allows for manoeuvring in confined spaces, reducing manoeuvring times and decreasing fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, facilitating attachments management, a double-acting hydraulic service line and an electrical socket for machineimplement communication are located at the top of the boom.
Other features designed to deliver efficiency benefits include:
• EPD (Eco Power Drive) transmission and engine control system – controls and adjusts the engine speed based on the operating conditions, for a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 18 per cent, and also provides for the control of the engine speed proportionally to the use of the joystick
• Tac-lock – an implement-locking device that can be hydraulically controlled from the cab, providing for quick and easy changing of attachments
• Machine movements – helping to reduce machine setup times, it can be moved with the turret rotated, even with the stabilisers partially or completely extended (with the maximum speed limited to 5km/h)
• Stabilisers – can be positioned with any extension, allowing the stabilisation layout to be adapted to the available work area.