Latest news with #Guinans
Agriland
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Merlo Multifarmer clocks 100 hours in just six weeks
First impressions count and it has been nearly two months since the Guinan family of Tullamore, Co. Offaly won a year's use of a Merlo Multifarmer 34.7, giving them enough time to get used to working it and discover its strengths. Overall, the Guinans are finding the Multifarmer a great addition to the farm, making the tasks around the yard quicker and easier. They are particularly enthused about the manoeuvrability of the machine with the four-wheel steering enabling it to spin around the yard more quickly than the tractor and loader it is replacing for the time being. Hearty engine Power is never an issue either – the 140hp Deutz engine has yet to meet its match and moves the 6.6t machine with a convincing rapidity, even with a heavy bucket of stone attached, which in this case can amount to a further 2.7t. The 140hp Deutz engine is set at a slight angle in the frame Tested on an agitator, there was no issue with the power available at the power takeoff (PTO) either. The PTO drove the pump as well as any tractor on the farm and jobs like this go to prove the versatility and ability of the Multifarmer to fit in to the system when other machines may be tied up. Multifarmer goes mowing Other non-loading jobs the machine has been tasked with include pasture topping with a standard mounted disc mower on the rear linkage. While this would usually be the job of a tractor, it was given a go with the Multifarmer despite it being a standard right-hand machine on a loader with a cab to the left. Although fitted with a three-point linkage, the Multifarmer is used mainly for loader work such as pushing up the muck heap The combination worked well, although there was an extra niggle in addition to the reduced vision to the right, which was that the release cord used to unlatch from the transport position had no clear way into the cab. Having to dismount from the loader to release the mower bed was not a major inconvenience, but – as suggested by Kevin Guinan, owner of the Co. Offaly farm along with his father Michael – it was a situation that could be improved upon with some sort of opening in the rear of the cab. There is no clear pathway for a mower release cord into the rear of the cab. The ride and comfort of the cab is another feature admired by both Kevin and Michael who have now spent over 100 hours between them using the loader. Full cab and boom suspension add up to a smooth ride, with the bonus that the whole frame can be tilted slightly to either side. Kevin said he has already made good use of this feature when loading a lorry for a neighbour that was parked on a slope. The frame can be tilted to either side, thanks to the rams located between it and the axles, seen here on the right. It is a small feature, but it made a big difference to the the ease of the job and is something that has greatly added to the appeal of the machine. However, Kevin pointed out that there is no auto return to level it out afterwards. This may appear a minor omission but is a niggle he feels should be addressed by the manufacturer. Heavy lifting There is no complaint about the lifting performance of the machine. Some trackway maintenance required stone to be shifted with the bucket. Michael Guinan told Agriland that, according to the on-board weigher, 2.7t of stone can be carried, which is around three times as much as the Guinans' own loader. The Multifarmer has proven to be a useful tool around the yard and sheds of the farm Yet the Multifarmer handled this weight with ease and precision, allowing this job, and some tree clearance, to be performed quickly and safely, far more so than would have been possible with the Guinans' tractor. The hydraulics are quite quick, according to Kevin. The boom lifts and extends swiftly, but not so fast that it could be judged as unsafe. Attaching implements is also a breeze, with Kevin having great regard for the single central locking pin. The central locking pin for attachments is a great hit with Kevin When approaching the end of its reach, or return, the movement of the boom slows down for the last half metre or so, creating a cushioning effect and stopping it banging against the travel stops. This is another small feature perhaps, but makes for a calmer operation and – along with the suspension already mentioned – the user experience is smoothed out, making for a less tiring day. Joystick joy Control through the joystick is another item appreciated by the Guinans. On the rear, there is a selector switch for direction, and here opinion differs. Michael finds it particularly useful whereas Kevin still prefers to use the lever mounted in the traditional place below the steering wheel. The cab interior and control layout draw praise, with the joystick being highlighted as workable and precise However, the neutral button on the top, next to the boom and external service switches, is used by both and pressed before dismounting, ensuring the loader stays where it is while there is nobody in the cab. According to the Guinans, he air conditioning/heater works well, keeping the cab glass clear of condensation, though the filters at the rear top of the cab appear to be vulnerable to water ingress and the area is avoided when using a pressure washer. They are probably quite safe, but reassurance is required. The large grain bucket is a useful attachment but not always best suited to stock-related tasks Being a cab on a farm vehicle, the floor quickly accumulates spanners, pins, and the usual mix of odds and ends. A toolbox mounted on the outside is an item that would be immeasurably useful. If the Multifarmer was owned by the Guinans, they might have already added one, but having one fitted as standard would be a bonus. From within the cab, the engine fan can be reversed to clear the radiator, producing a satisfying cloud of dust and debris when it is engaged, Verdict so far It is often said that a materials handler of any type soon becomes the busiest machine on the farm, and this appears to be the case at the Guinans. With over 100 hours of use within just six weeks, they are obviously finding plenty of work for the Multifarmer, and this in a quieter period for such machines, especially here where the silage pit is filled by contractors and bales have not yet been made. For next winter, Ronco have added a silage grab to the prize pot It is unlikely that there would be this intensity of use if the Guinans did not find it of value and convenience. Generally speaking, they are delighted with how it has worked for them so far. Yes, there are one or two niggles, as there will be with any machine, and maybe this particular model might be a little too large for the farm, especially with the grain bucket supplied. But the Guinans keep climbing on board every day and will be pushing the 1,000-hour limit come the end of the trial year – that is the real judgement of any tractor or loader.
Agriland
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Ronco adds shear grab to Merlo Multifarmer telehandler prize
The Guinan family of Tullamore this week received the latest addition to the machinery on their farm in Co. Offaly, a shear/block grab provided by Ronco Agricultural Equipment of Co. Tyrone. The Guinans received the grab as part of their prize for winning a competition held earlier this year by Merlo and Agriland, which also awarded the use of a Merlo Multifarmer for 12 months, delivered to the farm in April. The company has six grabs in its range, with the one awarded to the Guinans for the year being the A180. This model has a cutting width of 1.8m and a maximum capacity of 1.3 cubic metres. Tough steel Ronco claim to take an uncompromising approach to the design and engineering of its products and, with a weight of 780kg, it is clear that at lot of metal – as well as thought – has gone into the construction of the A180. Two hefty rams of 110mm apply the cutting power and to ensure the silage is cut rather than the frame bent by this force, the tool is formed from heavy-duty box steel with metal where it matters. The grab is built around a box steel frame at the rear The tines follow this theme of robustness, with the two outer elements having a 50mm diameter while the ten in between are 45mm and can be made of Hardox steel as an option. Yet dealer manager for Ronco, Patrick Duffy suggests that the hardened steel used as standard for the tines is quite tough enough already at the size and width of spacing being used. The 45mm tines are close-spaced and secured by two nuts at rear. He also notes that they may be bolted on and so are easily replaced if ever need be, unlike the Hardox tines, which need the services of a welder should renewal be required. The number and density of the tines impressed Kevin Guinan, winner of the Merlo/Agriland competition. According to Kevin, his present grab is a lot lighter than this model and he feels that the Ronco will leave a tidier face to the silage when loading the feed wagon. Ronco engineering expertise The teeth are also designed for easy replacement and bolted on to the blade and frame. The heads are recessed, requiring an Allen key to undo them, but that means they are safe from wear and damage incurred during use. The teeth and side blades are of hardened steel and are easily replaceable. The grabs come with a range of fitting attachments to suit most, if not, all, loaders on the Irish market. May is not the best season for using a grab, so the Guinans are not as yet able to comment upon its efficiency or ease of use. However, both Kevin and Michael were impressed by the build quality and general feel of strength it exuded. Although it is still early summer, the farm is now well-prepared for the winter feeding season Ronco Agricultural Equipment is part of Coote Engineering, which describes itself as a leading manufacturer of machinery for the precast concrete industry in Europe. The Coote Engineering agricultural division was formed in 2023, with the launch of this range of grabs and it has since been extended to include low loaders and slurry agitators.
