The TF42.7 is the flagship in Merlo’s mid-sized telehandler range and comes in a handful of configurations to suit different applications.

Most variants are fitted with the same two-speed hydrostatic transmission and 3.6-litre Perkins four-cylinder that can be had in two states of tune – 116hp or 136hp.

See also: How to maintain a Merlo telehandler to get the best from it

But there’s also a top-spec CVTronic, complete with a twin-motor hydrostatic transmission allied to a 145hp Deutz power plant.

All models can be had with cab suspension, while TT versions get the benefit of chassis levelling and boom side shift.

Giving us the lowdown is Chris Brettell, who runs a 570ha organic arable enterprise in a family partnership with his brother Ed near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Their TF42.7 CS, complete with cab suspension and 136hp engine, arrived in March this year and has clocked 566 hours loading everything from grain and beet to bagged products and bales.

Why a Merlo TF42.7 CS?

This is our third TF42.7 CS in a row and we wouldn’t have anything else.

The cab suspension is one of the main reasons, as both my brother and I have broken our backs in the past and need a bit of comfort.

Chris Brettell © James Andrews

But they’ve got plenty else going for them – the transmission is smooth, you sit up high so visibility is great and the controls are nice to use.

The only other brand we’ve tried recently is JCB and the quality of the ride is incomparable.

However, we were impressed with JCB’s start/stop system as it prevents you leaving the thing idling for hours wasting fuel and clocking up hours that make it depreciate faster.

What extras did you opt for?

We chose the more powerful engine, and of course cab suspension, but the rest of the spec was fairly standard.

LED work lights are a big step up from the models we’ve had before, although I can’t understand why Merlo is still using halogen units for the headlights and tail lights.

It came with a pick-up hitch too, and we got our dealer RVW Pugh to add a light that comes on automatically when you select reverse.

© James Andrews

Not only does this make hooking up far easier, but it also helps you see where you’re going when backing into dark sheds, even in daylight.

In our opinion, the CBM hitch fitted on this model isn’t as good as the last one. Firstly, there’s a big metal plate that obscures the view of the hook, and it won’t go low enough to pick up some trailers, meaning we have to carry blocks around with us.

How has it performed?

Every TF42.7 we’ve had has been a slight improvement on the one that went before, and this is the best yet.

The joystick is nicer to use, the cab interior smarter and the bodywork a bit neater.

But they don’t get everything right.

The mudguards are a particular failure as there’s a big gap that allows crud to flick over the windscreen, and the attachment point for the hitch release is weak and has already snapped once.

One feature we do like is the auto rev function which increases engine speed automatically when you move the joystick.

This means there’s plenty of hydraulic flow for fast loading without having to flick it into neutral and use the foot throttle.

When the flow isn’t need, the revs automatically drop back to normal levels so it’s not wasting diesel.

Merlos don’t have a great reputation for towing, but we find it pulls trailers perfectly well.

It’ll easily haul a flatbed loaded with 16 full-size Hesston bales at 40kph and it doesn’t slow down too much on the hills. That said, a slightly more powerful engine wouldn’t go amiss for this type of work.

In the field, the cab and boom suspension make it by far the most comfortable machine to drive on the farm.

You really notice this when loading straw as it’s almost as smooth driving across the tramlines as it is down them.