KROONSTAD, FREE STATE — The Merlo MultiFarmer telehandler is blurring the lines between traditional loading equipment and tractor functionality, offering farmers a truly multipurpose solution. Following a recent visit to the Merlo manufacturing plant in Italy, agricultural machinery experts from Tecno Trek in Kroonstad have confirmed that this innovative machine is engineered from the ground up to both load and tow with exceptional stability, challenging the conventional limits of telehandlers.
Tecno Trek, a well-established dealership in the Kroonstad area, has recently secured the Merlo agency, expanding their offerings to include this highly specialized equipment. After touring the Merlo factory in Italy, the dealership’s technical and sales teams returned with a deep appreciation for the engineering philosophy behind the MultiFarmer.
Ray, representing the sales and marketing division at Tecno Trek, noted that the Merlo facility operates as a tightly knit family business focused on producing a consumer-friendly, high-quality product. “The finish on the machine is phenomenal,” Ray shared, emphasizing that the factory’s cleanliness and the collaborative environment of the workers reflect a commitment to building a superior product for the end-user.
Engineering Stability and Weight Distribution
For Thinus, the mechanical and technical expert at Tecno Trek, the true value of the MultiFarmer lies in its structural integrity and serviceability. A common issue with telehandlers adapted for farm work is poor weight distribution when towing heavy implements. However, the MultiFarmer boasts a native 50/50 weight distribution.
Instead of relying on bolted-on counterweights, Merlo integrates 60mm to 80mm thick steel directly into the chassis during manufacturing. “The weight is the frame,” Thinus explained. This intrinsic balance ensures that the machine remains incredibly stable when pulling implements, preventing the front end from lifting or the machine from shifting unexpectedly.
True Tractor Capabilities
Unlike competitors that simply weld a three-point linkage onto the rear of a standard telehandler as an afterthought, the MultiFarmer features a fully integrated three-point system designed alongside the machine from day one. It is equipped with draft control, position control, and a fully mechanical Power Take-Off (PTO), alongside a robust hydraulic system boasting a 150-liter oil capacity.
When testing the machine’s towing capabilities, Thinus was impressed by how naturally it handled heavy agricultural implements. “You might think it would struggle because it isn’t a traditional tractor, but it handles the implement perfectly,” he noted.
A Mechanic’s Dream: Serviceability and Maintenance
Beyond its field performance, the MultiFarmer is designed with the mechanic in mind. Merlo utilizes a widely recognized FPT engine, ensuring that parts and expertise are readily available. In a unique design choice, the engine is mounted on the side of the machine, providing immediate, unobstructed access to oil filters, diesel filters, the starter, and the alternator.
Furthermore, the engine is housed in a removable sub-frame. If major engine work is required, mechanics do not need to dismantle the engine piece by piece; they can simply unbolt and remove the entire engine frame as a single unit. Additionally, Merlo manufactures its own front axle in-house, utilizing proprietary technology that remains simple and accessible for routine maintenance.
Buying Time, Not Just a Machine
The ultimate advantage of the MultiFarmer is its versatility. Capable of reaching 40 km/h on public roads, it can seamlessly transition from loading materials to towing trailers and moving implements between different farm camps.
“You don’t just buy a machine, you buy time,” Ray summarized, highlighting that the MultiFarmer eliminates the need for multiple dedicated machines sitting idle in the shed. By consolidating loading, towing, and PTO-driven tasks into one compact, highly maneuverable unit, farmers can significantly optimize their daily operations.
Local Support and Availability
For farmers in the Kroonstad and surrounding areas, Tecno Trek provides comprehensive support, including specialized training for their workshop team to handle servicing, repairs, and maintenance. For buyers in other regions across the country, the national importer can connect them with the nearest authorized Merlo dealer. Interested parties can contact Tecno Trek’s Pieter at 082 339 4424 or Morné at 082 466 6093 for more information, demonstrations, and quotations.
