A landmark moment in agricultural engineering was revisited at LAMMA as Merlo marked its 45th anniversary by showcasing its original SM30 telehandler.
The company displayed the original SM30 alongside its latest Turbofarmer models, drawing a direct line between the Italian company’s early innovation and modern telehandler design.
Paris 1981
The original SM30 was unveiled at the Paris Agricultural Show in 1981, introducing a new category for Merlo. It combined lifting, reach and manoeuvrability in a single unit, replacing the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Permanent four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and equal-sized wheels delivered traction and control that rough-terrain forklifts lacked. A hydrostatic transmission improved precision, while the telescopic boom extended reach and flexibility.
The SM30 also reflected a different approach to design by Merlo. Compact dimensions and improved visibility focused on operator safety and efficiency, setting a template for future models.
Despite being launched more than four decades ago, the SM30 continues to shape Merlo approach today’s farm equipment market.
Later Merlo developments over the years have included the company’s Panoramic range, its rotating Roto machines, the popular Turbofarmer and the Multifarmer.