Merlo telehandlers are well and truly making their mark across Australia, including across the Bass Strait.
Launceston-based family business DLM Machinery can attest to the strong popularity of Merlo equipment in the Apple Isle.
The company boasts sales and workshop facilities, supported by a regional sales and parts facility in Hobart.
Owner Dave Morrison said the business has grown by supplying a range of quality equipment from leading brands, becoming a recognised one-stop-shop for all construction equipment.
DLM Machinery is the sole state distributor for Kobelco excavators up to 85 tonnes, ASV compact track loaders and has represented Merlo telehandlers since 2016.
“Our experienced team has earned a trusted reputation for offering knowledgeable advice on the most appropriate earthmoving equipment to purchase, together with recommending maintenance procedures,” Morrison said.
The Merlo difference
Dave said Merlo equipment had been a key addition to the business’ range.
“The brand has been received enthusiastically due to the amazing versatility of these machines,” he said.
“Customers are quickly won over by their compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and in meeting all safety standards.
“Our Merlo customers report a positive experience, citing the machines are highly responsive in operation and able to perform any task without hesitation.
“Overall, our customers say Merlo machines are super-reliable and never fail to deliver on any job, ensuring deadlines are always met.”
Customer applications
The economy of Tasmania is dominated by agricultural enterprises, which have embraced Merlo machines that have found ready acceptance for tasks such as pallet and shed stacking and bale-handling.
“Our customers use the Merlo telehandlers for multiple tasks,” Dave said.
As well as having a machine that lifts, handles and moves materials and produce, Merlo machines have a three-point linkage on their mowing arms which gives them a unique ploughing capability, often used in large scale cropping applications.
“While Merlo telehandlers are a stand-out in the earthmoving sector, we have been extraordinarily successful in selling these machines to the agricultural community that underpins the farm economy,” Dave said.
“In fact, around 75 per cent of our Merlo sales are used for handling tasks within the agricultural market.”
Popular models
Dave said that one of the most popular Merlo models was the TF35.7.
“This model is a very acceptable size in our market. When it is set it up under the three-tonne capacity, it may be operated by non-telehandler licensed operator, which makes it a great proposition where operator flexibility is desirable,” he said.
“The Merlo P 27.6 also fits this category. Dollar for dollar, it is highly appreciated by customers and seen as a great value investment.”
Benefit of Merlo technology
Dave said that technology used in the Merlo machines is impressive, particularly the Mero-patented EPD system, which electronically controls the engine and transmission, and optimises engine speed, pump flow and displacement.
The benefit to the user is enhanced efficiency and being able to operate at lower RPM, reducing fuel consumption by up to 18 percent.
“When operators are travelling with a load, the boom suspension, together with the cab suspension on selected models, gives excellent operator comfort and ride control,” Dave said.
“These features allow the boom to float, and depending on the model, enables the operator to float around rather than being seated in a rigid environment.
“While tyres provide natural suspension, if these are slightly over-inflated, it can result in a ride that’s too firm.
“When you may be spending hours per day in the machine, the last thing you want is to be bounced around, as this will tire an operator very quickly.”
Satisfied users
Dave said DLM encouraged feedback from its customers and welcomed constructive comments about their experience with the machines they purchased.
“We find that customers are extremely satisfied with the Merlo machines,” he said.
“Purchase decisions are usually based on brand reputation and by speaking with other Merlo owners whose needs and performance expectations have been satisfied. This high level of satisfaction makes our job a lot easier.
“We perform a thorough pre-delivery check on every Merlo machine we sell. On average we spend a couple of days on pre-delivery tests and checks.
“Once we do this and the machine is delivered, we don’t hear from the customer again until the first 100-hour service or when they want to buy another piece of equipment.”
Consistent innovation
Constant innovation in design and engineering has been a hallmark of Merlo. This process has occurred consistently over many years, with the result that Merlo telehandlers always represent the next level, keeping them ahead of their competitors.
“Strangely, outstanding innovations can make the machine harder to sell in that they have more ‘bells and whistles’ than most users really want,” Dave said.
“However, we recognise that every product in every industry is coming with more features than ever before, regardless of whether the customer actually wants or uses them.
“It is apparent that Merlo products will continue to lead in terms of a whole package of user benefits. Merlo is ensuring their machines are so completely packed with useful features and benefits they are determined to remain ahead of the pack for years to come.
“There have been a number of instances where a Merlo telehandler improved productivity or solved a challenge. Additionally, we have had a couple of customers who have switched to Merlo from other telehandler brands.
“Lift and carry ability is the usual reason people have switched to Merlo. In these instances, what made customers switch is the fact that Merlo can do the job for them, where their previous brand was unable to perform.
“In one example, the load the customer was lifting was by no means near the limits of their other brand machine, however stability was a major issue for the user. In fact, the operator refused to use the machine and had requested assignment to a different role.
“As a solution, we took the Merlo machine to the site in question purely as a demonstration. The user was completely surprised and delighted with the performance of the Merlo.”
Statewide sales parts and service
“DLM carries out a thorough handover and machine introduction on delivery, which is followed up a couple of weeks after delivery.
“We find that people can only absorb so much information at a time, so the after-sales follow-up is really important to confirm the customer has taken all the information on board,” Dave said.
“Customers usually appreciate our efforts to ensure that have a comprehensive introduction to their new machine. Added assurance comes from our support of five service vehicles and Merlo specialist technicians who are on call throughout the state.
“We have centralised parts and service that works well and efficiently. Consumables and fast-moving parts are held in our Merlo inventory, while any other parts needed are simply an overnight call and we will usually have the part early the next morning.
“We place high emphasis on giving informed advice when potential buyers are deciding on what Merlo telehandler will best suit their needs.
“It’s important that users compare like for like and take the time to truly compare side-by-side features and benefits before making that critical investment decision.
“We find that many customers will just look at the end price, often forgetting to truly evaluate what they are getting for their money.”
Looking up
Dave sees a positive future for telehandlers, due to the versatility of the Merlo machines, particularly in the load management system.
Another safety advantage of the Merlo telehandlers is their functional visibility. Personnel on the ground on-site can have sight of the telehandler’s reaction or behaviour via the top-of-cab functional colours.
“Simultaneously, the operator’s in-cab functional monitoring gives instant feedback of safety loads and performance limits. This real time on-site monitoring of machine safety is a great step forward for the industry,” Dave said.
“This is another example of the telehandlers’ design and functional sophistication that will, depending on the application, see demand increasing faster than that for traditional equipment like wheel loaders or compact track loaders and skid steers. A telehandler is an all-rounder piece of equipment.
“As far as DLM Machinery strategy for Merlo is concerned, the success we have experienced with the brand is a strong indication that we will be selling more machines each year.
For further information visit merlo.com.au
