Why Maschio Gaspardo Relies on a 12 Tonne Merlo

Capability Under Pressure:
Why Maschio Gaspardo Relies on a 12‑Tonne Merlo

Handling unpredictable loads and tight yard space, Maschio Gaspardo’s UK team explains why a high-capacity telehandler has become essential to their operation.

In the yard at Maschio Gaspardo’s UK operation, the job is rarely straightforward.

Machinery arrives from Italy heavy, tightly packed, and often challenging to unload. On paper, logistics look efficient, but on the ground, they are rarely anything but. There is no such thing as a perfect load.

“Machinery arrives stacked within an inch of its life” explains Product Support Specialist Nick Wright “And it often needs dismantling before you can move it safely.”

A recent delivery highlights the point. A disc cultivator, weighing around nine tonnes, arrived in a curtain-sided trailer, but with the drawbar at the wrong end and not attached, to save space on the load. The only option was to lift it clear of the wagon.

“The machine comes in at just over nine tonne,” explains Nick. “The Merlo is telling you that - so you know exactly what you’re lifting.”

For an operation without the right equipment, that kind of scenario could easily escalate into delay or additional cost. Instead, the Merlo handled the lift with ease, and the transport lorry pulled away and the job was completed safely and efficiently.

Capacity removes compromise

When Maschio Gaspardo selected its Merlo, P120.10 (12 tonne capacity /10 m lift height), lift capacity was the decisive factor.

“We were looking for something with capacity… the Merlo was really the only option,” says Will Greenway, Managing Director at Maschio Gaspardo UK. “We don’t have a crane here, so the requirement isn’t theoretical. Loads regularly exceed what mid-range machines could safely handle.”

Without that capability, operations could quickly grind to a halt.

“If you haven’t got that capacity… what do you do? You’ve got a real problem.”

One machine does it all

The entire operations workflow depends on the telehandler.

“We’d be lost without it,” says Warehouse Manager, Russ Cranfield. Aside from a 2.5 tonne electric forklift, there is no backup.

“Anything machine-wise - it’s this. Everything is this.”

The Merlo is used across every stage of the Maschio Gaspardo operation:

• unloading deliveries
• assembling machinery
• moving machinery around the yard
• reloading outgoing deliveries

Even short tasks have critical importance.

“We use it most days… it might only be 15 minutes at a time, but it’s essential.” Russ reiterated.

Safety and control in tight spaces

In a busy yard with limited space, control is just as important as power.

The Merlo’s integrated weighing system and load chart, part of its ASCS (Adaptive Stability Control System), play a central role in daily operations, monitoring load, reach and stability in real time.

“You’ve got the load chart in there?” Russ explains, pointing to the display inside the cab “that’s giving you how far out you can go.”

Together with live load data, the system creates a clear safety framework for operators.

“When safety is the key thing… you know what you can lift and how far you can move it,” says Russ.

Features that make a difference

Beyond core performance, the team agree that several features have proven critical in day-to-day use:

• Boom side shift reduces repositioning when unloading & loading
• Frame levelling ensures stability on uneven yard surfaces
• Integrated weighing system provides real-time load feedback
• Attachment recognition (with Merlo attachments) enhances operator awareness

“With Merlo attachments, it recognises them and tells you what it can lift and how far it can reach,” Nick explains.

In an environment handling high-value, awkward loads, that clarity improves both efficiency and operator confidence.

High hours – backed by strong support

Purchased used from Merlo dealer Cooks Midlands in 2023, the machine has accumulated significant hours - now approaching 7,000.

Naturally, that brings occasional issues. But strong dealer support has been a key factor in maintaining uptime.

“Cooks have been very good - they come out and resolve everything in a fairly timely manner.” says Will.

For more complex faults, specialist technical expertise has made the difference.

“They’ve got brilliant technicians… they’ve been able to diagnose difficult faults.” continued Russ.

Operator efficiency is the real gain

Perhaps the biggest advantage is operational efficiency. Tasks that would typically require multiple people, or additional equipment, can often be completed by one person.

“In most cases, one person can go out and unload a lorry safely.” Russ says.

As labour pressures increase and workloads intensify, that simplicity is becoming ever more valuable and, in a yard, where no load arrives as expected, capability isn’t a luxury, it’s the difference between stopping and carrying on.

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