© James Andrews

By shrinking the dimensions of its compact agricultural telehandler, Merlo has created a 3t/7m machine that is able to work in pokey poultry sheds.

Thanks to a redesigned chassis and low-slung cab, the new P30.7L (L denoting the low roofline) sits at just 2m tall and a shade under 2m wide. However, the compact proportions shouldn’t affect driver comfort as Merlo’s engineers have used the same cabin as the larger handlers.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a telehandler 2022

Propulsion is provided by a 75hp Kohler four-cylinder engine teamed with Merlo’s trademark two-speed hydrostatic transmission. It also drives a load-sensing hydraulic pump that delivers flow of up to 250 litres/min.

To give extra gusto for heavy mucking-out jobs, operators have the option of activating an auto-revving joystick function. This ups the engine rpm as the joystick is pulled, giving peppier hydraulic performance without the inconvenience of having to use the foot throttle.

The machine is still in the prototype stages, but should be on sale by the end of 2023.