08.04.2014

Telehandler record challenge

Leo ‘Manne’ Terqujeff, the head of after-sales service at Finnish based distributor Rotator, is likely to smash the world record for the distance travelled in a telehandler, if he succeeds in his plan to drive from Italy to Finland.

Rotator has been a Merlo telehandler distributor for many years, and Terqujeff has 20 years experience with the products. He is passionate about the green machines, to the point where he has a Merlo logo tattooed on his left shoulder.

With retirement approaching he had the insane idea to mark the end of his career by driving a new Merlo telehandler from the factory in Cuneo, Italy all the way to Helsinki, Finland, a distance of over 4,000 kilometres.
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Leo ‘Manne’ Terqujeff checks out a Merlo telehandler

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Leo Terqujeff's Merlo tattoo

The idea was accepted and supported by both Rotator and Merlo, so preparations began and a travel itinerary and route worked out. He will leave the factory on April 28th in a compact P25.6. The 2.5 tonne/ six metre unit, has an overall width of 1.80 metres and is 1.92 metres high, but it has been not been chosen just for its compact dimensions. The unit has one of the largest cabs in the Merlo range and can achieve a maximum road speed of 36kph, and as such is the fastest in the company's line up.

The trip from Italy crosses Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark and Sweden, before arriving in Finland. With several challenging stretches, including mountain passes on the border between Italy and Slovenia and the sea crossings in Northern Europe. It is expected to take around two months.
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The 4,000km route from Cuneo, Italy to Helsinki, Finland

You will be able to follow Terqujeff’s progress on the Merlo website or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/merlomanne ) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/LeoTergujeff )

This latest record attempt follows the recent successful 878.5 kilometre drive of a Dieci Agric Plus 40.7 EVO2 from Italy to Brno in the Czech Republic. Completed in six days, the going was made easier by using two drivers alternating, in order to cover the distance and arrive in time for an exhibition. See Dieci goes for World record.

Assuming Terqujeff is successful, one wonders if a Manitou, JCB or JLG distributor might look to challenge the new record?