WM W.M. Rose & Sons has delivered a striking custom black Merlo Roto R50.26 S Plus to DS Steel, a specialist in steel-framed buildings.
The machine features a bespoke wrap and will be utilised on a variety of tasks, primarily connected to steel frame erection and cladding services. The model has been fitted with Halo LED headlights and work lights from Strand Lighting, designed to provide all-round visibility in all conditions.
Alan Rose, director at Wm W.M. Rose & Sons, told Project Plant the standout features of the telehandler include a tilting cab to boost operator comfort, live load charts, auto up/down jack legs, 170HP FPT engine, its compact size, and ‘quick and smooth’ hydraulics.
The machine boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 4,950kg, a maximum lift height of 25.9 metres, and a maximum horizontal reach of 22.9 metres.
Merlo painted the machine at the factory, while the tinted cab and graphics were organised by DS Steel and fitted by Ds Graphics.
“The telehandler (market) is very hard work at the moment, but we are finding customers are coming back and wanting a service, which we provide,” Alan stated. “Customers are looking for more from their machine – telematics, load management, attachment recognition, better visibility, lower fuel consumption, and more operator comforts – which the Merlo machines are delivering on.”
Danny Scrimgeour from DS Steel described Merlo equipment as ‘fantastic’ for steel erecting.
“This R50.26 was just the right size for us at the moment; it’s nimble enough to get into the harder places, big enough to reach pretty much everything we would need,” he added. “It’s fast and simple to set up. Wm Rose gives us great backup, so we were happy to add another Merlo to the fleet.
“Most of our projects are steel framed buildings of some sort. We have it already (working on a) revamp of a factory, so it is currently inside a factory building, erecting additional steelwork to add more production (capacity) to their line.
“I have been pretty fortunate to be the operator so far on its first project and it has been great. It (provides) fantastic vision, great lighting, easy to work. Set up has made it so simple to settle in too.”
Danny revealed that a priority for DS Steel when choosing an equipment provider is a ‘simple, hassle-free service’.
“Like anyone, we don’t want downtime. A good service department that will do what they say they will is a big part. Always being able to get a hold of them definitely puts us at ease. This is a big investment for us; it needs to be working every day. Wm Rose have always done everything they can do to make that happen for us.”
