Merlo suspended cab

[beltbreaker]

Got one on demo at the moment and with exception for the height a wee fellow has to climb to get in I actually rate it as I thought it was a gimmick..

Has anyone who runs one had problems with said suspension And have they sorted out the dodgy build quality from 3-4 years ago.

 

[Rattie]

Make sure it's kept greased and adjusted, otherwise it develops a "knock" and worn bushes. Otherwise pretty good I think, definitely can't imagine being without it now, like going back to powershift after a cvt gearbox on a tractor!
You really notice it most after a long day chasing bales etc. I think another important point that is easily missed, is that it protects all of the electronics etc. in the cab, it's not just you getting a smooth ride!

 

[massey ferguson 7616]

We're on our second machine with it now. Best machine on the market in my opinion powerful, nimble, and view from the seat is really good. Compared to other makes the comfort level if you get both cab and boom suspension is in a different league compared to the competition.

 

[Zebbedee]

The forklift market has been a bit slow with the cab suspension option

 

[Khan]

Got one on demo at the moment and with exception for the height a wee fellow has to climb to get in I actually rate it as I thought it was a gimmick..

Has anyone who runs one had problems with said suspension And have they sorted out the dodgy build quality from 3-4 years ago.

What model and gearbox options have you on demo? Starting to look at replacing a Schaffer pivot steer, bit more height and capacity would be good but the Merlos always look neat for their capacity.

 

[beltbreaker]

42.7 with CVT box to replace a Hydro 40.7, it's a compact machine. Visibility is poorer compared to the old one exhaust and small back window. Much more comfortable but it's a big climb into the cab especially as I am a pygmy and would be on and off it 20+ times a day.

Getting JCB on demo had the Scorpion which was nice if massive and hopefully a Kramer to try. Had the Manitou last year which was easy to access and so far well priced although joystick is a bit Marmite.

 

[Jim75]

42.7 with CVT box to replace a Hydro 40.7, it's a compact machine. Visibility is poorer compared to the old one exhaust and small back window. Much more comfortable but it's a big climb into the cab especially as I am a pygmy and would be on and off it 20+ times a day.

Getting JCB on demo had the Scorpion which was nice if massive and hopefully a Kramer to try. Had the Manitou last year which was easy to access and so far well priced although joystick is a bit Marmite.

Joystick is the only thing I will miss out of the manitou. The rest of it Usually takes a week to get the hang of it, you’ll just be indicating everywhere after using a conventional machine.

 

[Yale]

Joystick is the only thing I will miss out of the manitou. The rest of it Usually takes a week to get the hang of it, you’ll just be indicating everywhere after using a conventional machine.

Have you gone from Manitou,was reliability the reason?

 

[Happy]

Joystick is the only thing I will miss out of the manitou. The rest of it Usually takes a week to get the hang of it, you’ll just be indicating everywhere after using a conventional machine.

Agree, best thing about the manitou but can see how getting one on demo if previously used to left hand shuttle could be marmite for some.

About a week of putting indicators on is about right
Way better once you get used to it though.

 

[beltbreaker]

Merlo has switches on right hand joystick IMO it should be integrated on seat like old Matbro TS270 and it is not ergonomic the Manitou joystick design is the thing that I didn't like it may be ergonomic but after 2 days at muck I still couldn't get used to it

 

[manfromhill]

Changed telehandler brands a few weeks ago still trying to get used to it just takes a while to become second nature

 

[Khan]

42.7 with CVT box to replace a Hydro 40.7, it's a compact machine. Visibility is poorer compared to the old one exhaust and small back window. Much more comfortable but it's a big climb into the cab especially as I am a pygmy and would be on and off it 20+ times a day.

Getting JCB on demo had the Scorpion which was nice if massive and hopefully a Kramer to try. Had the Manitou last year which was easy to access and so far well priced although joystick is a bit Marmite.

Thats the model we are looking at. What's the cvt like compared to hydro, both our current machines are hydro. Good pushing power but a bit slow. We'll probably look at JCB as well, Manitou are a bit unknown round here, same with Claas.

 

[beltbreaker]

Not sure how CVT works but it seems to use the low heat then move up automatically. In fairness I have just been running it in high so see no real advantage in it. As I say a new dealer so they are still learning.
Pricing a hydro with and without cab suspension.
Still a few others to try!

 

[Zebbedee]

Not sure how CVT works but it seems to use the low heat then move up automatically. In fairness I have just been running it in high so see no real advantage in it. As I say a new dealer so they are still learning.
Pricing a hydro with and without cab suspension.
Still a few others to try!

Get Ross and Fraser in yard at the same time fill them with drams and see how the deal goes. ( At this point I must stress you cannot have any liquid lubrication as that could lead to you buying both a Jcb and a Manitou complete with two sets of new attachments)

 

[HarryB97]

Thats the model we are looking at. What's the cvt like compared to hydro, both our current machines are hydro. Good pushing power but a bit slow. We'll probably look at JCB as well, Manitou are a bit unknown round here, same with Claas.

The CV tronic is very good, you can run it in auto or 1 or 2 depending if you need it or not. Our dealer said that it's around 10k more from memory and they have only sold a couple with it on but everyone loves it who has it. The salesman did say that Merlo included the gearbox upgrade for free to try and get machines out there. The Claas & Kramer machines are nice but are very large with terrible visibility and the JCB Dualtech transmission if very poor compared to a Merlos as well as being a lot bigger physically.

 

[Jim75]

Have you gone from Manitou,was reliability the reason?

yes, tbf it gets a fair bit of stick with lots of drivers who jump on and just drive but it’s not been a good one. Probably been kept one yr too many (4 yr old) Gone for a jcb 538-60 agripro, really impressed with the capability and very punchy. Was realistically only between claas and jcb. Jcb demo turned up pronto and missed the claas by a few days and physical size for some of our sheds was a no go.

 

[Yale]

yes, tbf it gets a fair bit of stick with lots of drivers who jump on and just drive but it’s not been a good one. Probably been kept one yr too many (4 yr old) Gone for a jcb 538-60 agripro, really impressed with the capability and very punchy. Was realistically only between claas and jcb. Jcb demo turned up pronto and missed the claas by a few days and physical size for some of our sheds was a no go.

To be fair the other day I was looking at our old JCB 526s which is getting tired but even though it is really quite worn it’s as if it’s designed to work when worn.

Things like fancy electronic joysticks are great when new but can be a weak link which when a few years old can create expensive problems.

What is wrong with old fashioned sticks?

 

[Zebbedee]

To be fair the other day I was looking at our old JCB 526s which is getting tired but even though it is really quite worn it’s as if it’s designed to work when worn.

Things like fancy electronic joysticks are great when new but can be a weak link which when a few years old can create expensive problems.

What is wrong with old fashioned sticks?

Nothing at all

 

[deleted user 837354]

If you have wide open spaces, the Claas is an absolute beast of a machine, but I do have a soft spot for Merlos and have done for years. Great machines.

I don't rate JCBs handlers much these days and I wasn't impressed with their shovels last year after not driving one for about 10 years.

 

[Khan]

The CV tronic is very good, you can run it in auto or 1 or 2 depending if you need it or not. Our dealer said that it's around 10k more from memory and they have only sold a couple with it on but everyone loves it who has it. The salesman did say that Merlo included the gearbox upgrade for free to try and get machines out there. The Claas & Kramer machines are nice but are very large with terrible visibility and the JCB Dualtech transmission if very poor compared to a Merlos as well as being a lot bigger physically.

Are you running the CVT? Do you do any towing with it? We don't tow with our two current Schaffers. Main reason being hydrostatic, not very quick on road and also both pivot steer so already back end heavy. I see Merlo advertise there machines as being capable of 20t, wouldn't dream of pulling that weight that but if it was able to draw a 22ft straw trailer would be good.