Needing a machine that could be of great use in underground environments, water infrastructure leader Interflow has acquired its first Merlo telehandler.
Since its inception in 1936, Interflow has carved out a place as a leader in water infrastructure.
Today, it’s regarded as one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading providers of trenchless pipeline solutions, specialising in the water, wastewater, stormwater and culvert sectors.
The business aims to improve the lives of the people it works with, the communities it serves and the environment it works in, for generations to come.
Interflow works with local councils and water authorities across Australia and New Zealand to provide worldclass solutions for ageing pipeline infrastructure and ensure they continue to operate reliably. It specialises in the repair, renewal, restoration and construction of water and wastewater assets.
Interflow Asset Manager Brian Baker is responsible for equipment procurement and has recently managed the acquisition of the company’s first Merlo P40.13EE telehandler.
“The Merlo machine was purchased to provide a range of project solutions in underground environments,” he said.
“These tasks can include the insertion of rock bolts and shotcreting for surface stabilisation.
“Other site applications for the telehandler call for the use of its fork tines and the lifting jib for craning tasks.
“In particular, some of our work sites have height restrictions, so the low height of the Merlo telehandler lets us get to work more easily and a lot faster than other types of machines.
“One of our key reasons for investing in the Merlo telehandler was the versatility and flexibility it offered.
“The machine we needed had to demonstrate its ability to perform well in many different operations. The Merlo P40.13EE has definitely delivered that.”
High performance, comfort and safety
The telehandler offers comfort and safety along with high precision.
One of Interflow’s operators was delighted with the Merlo’s operation.
“The Merlo telehandler’s boom side-shift, frame leveling, and joystick controls make it easy to place loads precisely, while the machine’s stabilisers, and overload protection gives you confidence to safely handle every task, even over rough and uneven surfaces,” Brian said.
“Visibility is excellent and you can always see what’s around you, which makes for a safe work day.
“Driving feels like being in a well-built truck that has the muscle of a crane. It’s easy to operate and always feels safe and stable when handling any load or doing what is needed.”
STM Trucks & Machinery
Brian said that, as part of the detailed acquisition process for a telehandler, Interflow evaluated the benefits and performance of other brands.
“The Merlo P40.13EE telehandler was assessed as the machine that was the best fit for our purpose,” he said.
“Over the years we have made several other equipment purchases from STM who happened to be our local Merlo dealer.
“Their recommendations and support have always been excellent and their team were incredibly helpful in our selection of the machine, attachments and ensuring it was set up for the tasks it needs to perform.”
Meeting community expectations
Brian said communities have a high expectation of the reliability and functionality of their water supply.
“Since it was established almost 90 years ago, Interflow has continually been innovative in the area of trenchless solutions for asset owners wanting to improve the reliability and resilience of their water and wastewater networks,” he said.
The company is guided by its purpose, which is to improve the lives of the people it works with, the communities it serves and the environment it works in, for generations to come.
Trenchless technologies play a significant role in achieving the most sustainable outcomes for customers and communities.
These techniques result in a brand-new or rehabilitated pipeline without the need for open cut excavation, avoiding disturbance to the surface and minimising disruption to residents.
Other benefits include low waste as a result of leaving the original pipe left in the ground, meaning there is no need for its disposal.
Service and parts support
Brian said Interflow had a high level of support commitment from the STM parts division.
“We have added confidence in Merlo being equally supportive. Because of the type of critical infrastructure work we perform, minimal machine downtime is really important,” he said.
“The machine is still new, therefore and we have not had any mechanical or parts concerns and have no reason to think otherwise at this time.
“Our team has direct access to any technical support, even to a willingness by Merlo in an emergency to supply parts off other machines in stock.”
Saving time and adding safety
Brian said that by being able to switch between functions and tools on the one host machine was a big advantage in terms of time, labour cost and site safety.
“The Merlo model does all this without effort and this is exactly what we were looking for,” he said.
“It has definitely made a positive contribution to our productivity and efficiency.
“The machine is versatile and performs multiple tasks. The Merlo P40.13EE telehandler is definitely contributing to a better project outcome for us and our clients.”
For further information visit www.merlo.com/aus/en/
