Farmers wanting a full-function telehandler that can fit into poultry units and older buildings are the target of two new compact Multifarmer handlers from Italian maker Merlo.

Existing Multifarmer machines are almost 2.5m (8ft 3in) high, but the new Compact models (called the 27.8 and 29.6) are just 2.2m (7ft 3in) high and 2m (6ft 6in) wide. That means they can fit through doors and into buildings where a tractor couldn’t hope to go.

The Compact models are based on the firm’s existing 32.6 and 28.8 telehandlers and have the same 102hp Deutz engine and 40kph hydrostatic transmission. They also have the same big cab, good vision and new control system, says the company, and are designed to combine traditional telehandler performance with the tractive effort of a regular tractor.

There are also two boom configurations, giving a choice of 6.4m (21ft) or 8.2m (26ft 11in) lift height.

What’s different is the addition of a 4t three-point linkage at the rear of the machine, plus a direct-drive, full-power two-speed pto. This provides both 500 and 1000rpm on a single splined shaft.

These compact machines are likely to be used for less sophisticated applications than the larger models, says Merlo, so there isn’t a digital spec level as on the original Multifarmer. In fact the cab is taken straight from the Compact range and has new binnacle-type instruments plus simple controls for the three-point linkage.

Also, to keep things simple, the Compat Multifarmer doesn’t have the lockable oscillating axles of the full-sized Multifarmer and only the rear axle is free to pivot.

Power-to-weight ratio is almost 17hp/tonne, so performance on the standard 24in radial tyres is good, claims the company.

Compact Multifarmer 27.8 and 29.6 are 2m wide and 2.2m high, so can go where even a tractor will not fit.