30.10.2009

Merlo launches spider lift

Merlo has shown a small spider lift at SAIE and is considering entering the mainstream access market.
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The Merlo Cingo PL9.4

The unit on show at this weeks SAIE is a Cingo PL9.4 with single short riser, telescopic boom, articulating jib and unusual hydraulic platform lift which raises the platform vertically a further 800mm.

The new unit which is still a prototype and subject to change features a platform height of just over seven metres. Overall length is a compact 3.3 metres but overall width when stowed is a metre – however the outrigger spread is just 1.89 metres. Overall height is under 1.7 metre.
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The unusual rising platform

No details were available on overall weight at the show, but it is likely to be under 2,000 kgs.

At the same time Merlo is looking seriously at entering the mainstream access market, either by creating its own product line, or by acquisition.

The company, which already does will with its telehandler platforms and is reputedly the largest IPAF trainer in Italy, says that it has been offered a number of companies already, but is considering its options and strategies.

Vertikal Comment

A spider lift is a logical product line extension for Merlo, it has all the experience in building the components and has good access to the local market though its distribution.

The PL 9.4 while an excellent machine in many points, well put together with no tailswing in any position and the forklift type lift function at the basket it is too wide in the stowed position and too low for many applications.

Much though will depend on the price and it will have a niche potential for working indoors in confined areas etc…

As to acquisitions Merlo has no experience in this area and as a vertically integrated family owned firm not equipped to manage far flung additions.

However… there are plenty of locally based manufacturers that produce excellent products but lack the marketing, distribution and product support skills that Merlo possesses, acquiring such a local producer may well be the best first step.