Merlo and Perkins

Merlo has chosen Perkins for the P72.10 CS TOP telehandler. To be precise, powering the machine is the 904J-E36TA, the 3.6-liter engine that marked Peterborough’s relaunch in the compact segment for mobile industrial applications. Following in the footsteps of the Syncro family, of which it is the progenitor, this compact 4-cylinder engine delivers 100 kilowatts in the range between 2,000 and 2,400 rpm, and 530 Nm at 1,500 rpm.

The Perkins 904J for the Merlo P72.10 CS TOP

The figure that expresses the design intentions of the Italian engineering is the combination of power, load capacity, and operational versatility. It is ideal for working in complex environments, such as material storage plants, road and infrastructure construction sites, landfills, recycling, quarries and mines, industrial construction, and renewable energy sectors. The P72.10 CS TOP also performs with ease in the agricultural and agri-industrial sectors, for example in feed mills, livestock farms, grain farms, or forestry.

The telehandler powered by the Perkins engine was designed with a hydrostatic transmission featuring the EPD (Eco Power Drive) system for electronic power management and a maximum speed of 40 km/h, thereby improving efficiency and maneuverability on-site. Furthermore, the increased-flow hydraulic pump ensures high performance and boom movement speed, while the technology used in the Flow Sharing distributor optimizes hydraulic flow based on load requirements.

Beyond the heart: Anatomy of a telehandler

Safety has always been a core element in Merlo’s design, and the P72.10 CS TOP is no exception. The cab is ISO 3449 FOPS and ISO 3471 ROPS certified, ensuring adequate protection against rollovers and impacts. Additionally, the integrated protection system constantly monitors the machine’s critical parameters, preventing accidents through advanced functions such as automatic parking brake management and hydraulic safety sliders.

The P72.10 CS TOP cab is designed to offer high comfort even during extended shifts. With a width of 1,010 mm and a glass surface of 4.3 m², operators enjoy ample space and optimal visibility in every direction. Cab access is facilitated by a 180° opening door and strategically positioned steps and handles. The capacitive electronic joystick allows for the management of up to four independent hydraulic movements on the attachment, ensuring fast and precise operations while reducing operator fatigue.

Among the distinctive features is also the Merlo hydropneumatic suspended cab, which guarantees extraordinary comfort even during long working hours on uneven terrain. Complementing this is the ASCS digital display in the cab, which includes a real-time weighing system to monitor the weight of the lifted load, improving safety and operational efficiency.

The P72.10 CS TOP is equipped with a particularly compact chassis, which minimizes overall dimensions without sacrificing robustness. The machine features a lateral leveling system that allows it to compensate for ground slopes up to 8% (approximately 5°), ensuring the lateral stability of the vehicle during load lifting phases.