Merlo has launched its first full-electric telehandler, the eWorker, as part of a new concept – Generation 0 – which aims to allow the world of handling to take a further leap forward.
The eWorker, which launched at the Palace of Venaria, Italy, in October, is the first of many ranges that will make up Generation 0. It is the result
of years of research into an alternative solution
to vehicles fitted with combustion engines, presenting a completely new engineering concept.
Generation 0 is based on the four cornerstones of all Merlo products: performance, comfort, safety and efficiency – as well as three new aspects: zero emissions, zero noise and zero use of fossil fuels.
The eWorker was designed to support farmers in all daily activities, offering:
- High traction for off-road work, whilst being able to operate indoors and in areas where limited environmental impact is required
- Ability to travel on public roads and, if necessary, tow trailers
- Improved manoeuvrability and agility
- Increased vehicle versatility
- Better working conditions for operators and those working near the vehicle
- Reduced total ownership costs, and payback time.
To achieve this, Merlo engineers combined the advantages of telehandlers and forklifts.
All components, from the boom to the chassis, from the axles to the hydraulic system, have undergone a targeted redesign.
For 2wd models there are electric motors at the front, one for each wheel, while the 4wd model has a third electric motor at the rear side, positioned
vertically and flanged on the rear axle. Patented by Merlo, this offers advantages in layout and manoeuvrability, as well as electronic traction management – guaranteeing the correct speed of all four wheels without slipping, the automatic insertion of the electronic differential lock and regenerative braking. This means reduced energy consumption and increased off-road traction.
A fourth electric motor, connected to a Load Sensing hydraulic pump, allows all the movements of the telescopic boom. To optimise energy efficiency, a dedicated electronic control unit manages the rpm of the electric motor and the oil flow of the hydraulic distributor. To reduce battery consumption, the telescopic boom descends by gravity via a valve controlled by the same unit.
The eWorker allows the use of a wide range of equipment, including: forks, floating and with side shift, multiple bucket types, equipment for suspended loads, and equipment for other special applications such as concrete mixers and sweeper buckets. Additionally, the aerial work platform with overhead self-propulsion allows operators to drive directly from the aerial work platform, drastically reducing maintenance time at height.
All models can be customised to suit customers’ needs. Both models will be available with an open or closed cab, with possible options including a heating system or boom suspension, and they can be approved for road traffic, either as self-propelled machinery or as a tractor. For applications in special working environments (e.g. cold stores), heated windscreens and seats are available.