05 July 2012 - 15:46
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.
