Merlo dealers trial new aerials

Merlo is producing 30 ‘pre–series’ versions of its MPR aerial platforms for distribution to a number of its European dealers by the end of the year. The dealers will select end users to test the machines before an anticipated full launch in Spring 2008.

The Italian telehandler company – which surprised the access world at Bauma by showing the machines – has designed three models with maximum working heights of 20, 25 and 30 m. Mounted on Roto telehandler carriers, they combine the rough terrainability of handlers with an on–road travel speed of 40 kph, allowing users to travel between jobs or move easily around major industrial, civil or construction sites.

The company has not rushed into the access project. It has been developing the machines for almost four years and considered showing an early prototype at Bauma in 2004. Amilcare Merlo, Merlo's CEO, told Access International, “we were not prepared then. This time we are prepared.”