Merlo unveil new MPR platform concept
MERLO’S unique MPR concept was shown for the first time in the UK at the Vertikal Days exhibition in June, with production due to start in mid-summer. The MPR Series is fully compliant with EN 280 standards for powered access machines, and combines the benefits of a conventional self-propelled work platform with the off-road mobility of a telehandler and the road-going ability of a truck-mounted platform.
The MPR 15 model includes: electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission with 40km/h maximum speed; permanent four-wheel drive with three-mode steering on all wheels; a four-cylinder Deutz Tier 3 turbo-diesel engine (102hp); and a load-sensing hydraulic system.
The core of the system is a purpose-designed, self-propelled rough terrain chassis, which is fitted with a cab, telescopic boom and large 4m x 2m platform. This provides the safety of eliminating conventional scaffolding and mobile scaffold towers without the extended travel time of traditional self-propelled platforms. It also obviates the limited off-road performance of truck-mounted platforms, significantly reducing time and labour costs.
Standard equipment includes: a 220V outlet with a mains switch at the bottom of the boom; and a hose for either air or water. The operator can control any movement with the proportional controls available in the platform, including machine travel (with automatic maximum speed limiter) and all-wheel steering. Driven from the platform: maximum speed is 6km/h with the boom stowed; and 1.5km/h with the boom raised to the full working height.
