After presenting the concept in November 2023 at Agritechnica, the Merlo group is showcasing the “Tfe43.7” at Eima, the first medium-capacity Merlo telehandler powered electrically and capable of competing with traditional machines in terms of performance.
Merlo is taking another step forward in refining its “Zero Generation” product line, which encompasses machines powered electrically. Following the compact “e-Worker” series, now also available with lithium batteries as an alternative to the standard lead-acid ones, and the “Cingo M600A-e” mover, which is currently being tested in an autonomous configuration, it is now the turn of the Merlo “Tfe43.7,” effectively the first medium-capacity handler from the Group powered electrically. Previously presented as a concept a year ago at Agritechnica, the machine has undergone constant updates, so it is no longer merely a feasibility study but has evolved into a prototype.
The engineers from Cuneo have particularly refined the management system for the electrical components, which includes a liquid-cooled inverter operating at 800 volts instead of the 48 volts found in the “e-Workers” and “Cingo M600A-e.” The cooling system also thermally regulates the motors, transformer, and onboard charging system, while an oil-based system manages the battery pack and controls charging temperatures. Charging can be performed with both direct current charging stations and standard domestic or industrial alternating current. The charging power can range from three to 22 kilowatts, with maximum output resulting in charging times from 20% to 80% of the battery capacity in about three and a half hours. Following this, the working autonomy can reach up to eight hours, provided the machine is not engaged in particularly heavy tasks.
Hydraulics capable of 127 litres/minute
To address such tasks, the machine is equipped with hydraulic capabilities of 127 liters per minute, which are linked to the nominal load capacity of 4,300 kilograms and a reach of seven meters. The traction, directly powered by the propulsion system, is implemented through a single-speed transmission that allows the machine to achieve a maximum speed of 33 kilometers per hour. It should be noted that Merlo has not yet released the key technical specifications for the “Tfe43.7,” so details about the engine power and construction layout, likely based on the presence of two electric motors—one for traction and one for work—remain unknown.
Titolo: Merlo “Tfe43.7”, electric progressions
Translation with ChatGPT
