High performance for the Merlo forestry machines

At the exhibition in Hanover, the Cuneo brand presented two new tool-carrying tractors, ideal for road and forest maintenance. These are models MM 135 MC and the flagship MM 350 X, powered by a vigorous Deutz 7,800 cm³ , capable of delivering 350 horsepower

Merlo of San Defendente (Cuneo) extends its range, consolidating its position in the forestry machines segment.  At Agritechnica, the company from Piedmont presented many new products, including the two tool-carrying tractors of the TreEmme series, the MM 135 MC and MM 350 X. The first is a model designed with the same philosophy as the other modular telescopic lifters by Merlo (it has the same cab as the modular line) and provides the ability to mount front, rear or side equipment, finding its ideal application area in the field of road and forest maintenance, where it can perform processes that are different and complementary to each other.  The MM 350 X model, with its 350 Hp transmitted to its Stage IV 7,800 cm3 six-cylinder engine by Deutz, is the top of the range, the flagship of the MMX series. This tractor provides top level performance not only on the engine, but also on the hydraulic system, which distinguishes itself for a maximum flow rate of 500 l/min and for a service circuit equipped with a Load Sensing distributor (with a single variable displacement pump). The transmission is two-speed hydrostatic with an epicyclic gearbox and integrated steering controls. It has two movement modes: “road” (for long range) with direct control through the accelerator pedal, and “work” with proportional control at constant engine speed and continuous work speed adjustment. Thanks to a gear reduction to the wheels, they have four speeds, with two normal forward gears (0-10 km/h in 1st gear and 0-36 km/h in 2nd gear) and two low speeds (0-5 km/h in 1st gear and 0-18 km/h in 2nd gear). The steering is on the front axle alone or the rear axle alone, but it can also be all-wheel with corrected turn or crab. In short, great versatility that allows the operator to move easily in any work situation. The traction is obviously all-wheel with differential on two axles and swinging rear; if necessary, especially in extreme situations, the user can completely block the differentials.  As for the axles, the choice adopted by the Cuneo company has been to resort to devices with different widths, also compatible with the R&S (Road & Snow) versions, which in the most compact models reaches a width of 2,300 mm with front equipment (2,100 mm for just the machine body). This technical solution is particularly welcome in countries like Switzerland, where 2,300 mm machines are necessary to clear snow on mountain roads. Moving on to the driver’s seat, the cab retains the basic structure of the previous series, but has significant improvements both in terms of sound insulation and from the point of view of ergonomics, starting with the size, now more generous (the basic version is approved for a single driver’s seat, the R&S for two).  Among its strengths, the driving seat of the MM 350 X series boasts an ample glass surface to work safely with good visibility on the front 4,200 kg lifter (ideal to effectively operate equipment with high productive capacity). The base configuration of the MM 350 X, which is already very rich, is completed by a wide range of optional accessories that include, for example, the rear 3,500 kg lifter and the winch with a towing capacity from 7.5 to 12.0 t.