Merlo 50.26Plus is Merlo’s flagship rotating telehandler and can operate on a huge range of terrain – everything from factory loading yards to uneven forestry sites – and use a big variety of attachments.
When it comes to versatility in forestry operations, Merlo’s 50.26Plus rotating telehandler is tough to beat. From construction jobs with high access points to tree-service jobs that require a telehandler with a grapple saw or a telescopic tree pruner, the Merlo Roto 50.26Plus can do it all.
Tackle just about anything
The strength of the Merlo lies in its wide range of attachments.
While the list of available attachments is a long one – including, but not limited to, buckets, hooks, platforms and a range of specialty equipment – the standout in the forestry and arbor fields is definitely the machine’s performance with grapple saws like the GMT035 and GMT050.
The Merlo Roto 50.26Plus can be configured with aerial work platforms complying with EN280 standard, further underlining the machine’s versatility.
Functional and comfortable
Ergonomics were as big a consideration for Merlo in the design of the 50.26Plus as was the machine’s durability and functionality.
Access to the air-conditioned cab is simple, thanks to a door which can be opened 180º and a large handrail to make ingress and egress safe and easy.
The air-conditioning unit itself is built to automotive standards, cutting warmup and cool-down time in half, and the inlet vent is on the side of the cab, away from potential sources of dust and dirt. Inside the cab are eight vents, helping to ensure operator comfort.
Alongside comfort, but an asset for performance, is the grouping of information and the controls of the various systems and devices for optimum ergonomics, and the reverse shuttle on the steering wheel is also available on the joystick.
Safe
The 50.26Plus has a metal structure above the glass roof on the outside of the cab to comply fully with FOPS Level II standard, the most stringent certification level in protecting the operator from falling objects, and in order to remain fully compliant with regulations in frontal tipping prevention, the machine is equipped with features developed specifically to keep the operator safe from frontal tipping, without sacrificing performance, particularly boom speed and lifting capacity.
Drive
A 170HP FTP Iveco Cummins engine provides plenty of power for both working and travelling with the Merlo, and to operate the many available attachments. The original Merlo mounting layout was designed to give panoramic visibility and ensure maximum accessibility to components.
Coupled with excellent braking capacity when the accelerator pedal is released, high torque to the wheels is guaranteed during material handling and transfers, as well as millimetre precision of movements when positioning the load.
Expert opinion
For arborists and those involved in treecare work, the primary point of interest in the 50.26Plus will be its performance with a grapple saw, and there are few people who know about that subject than Rey Kell at Tumut’s Forest Centre.
If you’re looking for a grapple, Rey’s your man. We asked him about the Merlo and his thoughts on the attachment best suited to the telehandler for tree work.
“When it comes to grapple-saw equipment for tree-care tasks, we are often asked ‘which one is the best?’” he told us in his usual direct and competent fashion. “Though the jobs couldn’t be more different, we like to draw a comparison to earthmoving – as you most likely wouldn’t carry out all of your work with just one bucket or work tool.
“With grapple saws there are various different solutions and, as a buyer, it’s nice to know some freedom of choice extends to their application on telehandlers too.
“On Merlo Roto machines, two different plug-and-play grapple-saw solutions are available, each tailored to different working needs. These come with Merlo-specific ZM2 attachment hitch pickup, hoses and electrical connection.
“When a high degree of flexibility is required for approaching cuts from different angles and working within the canopy – like having a climber in the tree – the GMT Equipment felling grapple saws, GMT035 and GMT050 with Total Tree Control are an unbeatable combination.
On the other hand, if the work ahead will more often require larger cutting and heavier lifting capacity, perhaps with a larger drop zone or processing area to work with, the CS750 Smart grapple saw from Westtech Woodcracker may be the best fit.
“For the ultimate in capability – you can of course have both attachments for Merlo Roto 50.26Plus machine and utilise each as your project needs change.”
There are a few alternatives there, but one thing is constant: The Merlo 50.26Plus.
See the Merlo range of equipment at merlo.com.