Bulk handling operations often require a telehandler to lift, place, and manoeuvre equipment – a typical mining operation will have a fleet of these in place to keep things running smoothly.
Merlo builds and supplies these vital tools, working with the agriculture, construction, and mining industries on a global scale. The company’s Australian branch has operated from Perth and Sydney for the past 20 years and is now looking to grow regionally, with Papua New Guinea (PNG) seen as a key expansion market.
In fact, PNG mining operations will be among the first to benefit from Merlo’s new range of lifting and handling equipment.
Merlo national sales manager – Australia Chris Wilson said the range was well suited to PNG’s unique mining conditions.
“Our machines are tough, versatile, and built with safety in mind,” he told PNG Mining. “This is particularly important when working in tough terrain, as well as remote areas where breakdown and emergency services are a distance away.”
Engineered for mining efficiency
Merlo’s telehandlers deliver tangible operational advantages that directly benefit mining productivity and safety outcomes.
The machines feature high-ground clearance and robust undercarriages designed to navigate challenging terrain while maintaining stability when lifting heavy loads at height. Their precise hydraulic systems enable accurate placement of materials in confined spaces, reducing the need for manual handling and minimising workplace injury risks.
The telehandlers’ modular design support quick attachment changes, enabling a single machine to perform multiple functions throughout a shift. This versatility reduces fleet requirements and associated maintenance costs.
Advanced load management systems prevent overloading and provide real-time feedback to operators, while integrated telematics packages allow remote monitoring of machine performance and predictive maintenance scheduling.
Equipment downtime can be particularly costly in PNG mining operations, given the reduced availability of parts and services. In turn, Merlo’s emphasis on reliability and the direct connection between manufacturer and supplier becomes especially valuable.
On show in Port Moresby
Wilson and his team were in-country recently, showcasing the best of Merlo’s mining-focused tools at the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo).
The company was able to give delegates a close-up view of its range, meet with miners and other buyers, and share some of the advantages of their direct link to the manufacturer.
“One of Merlo’s key advantages is the direct connection we have with the factory in Italy,” Wilson said.
“Merlo operates through seven strategic branches worldwide, including our Australian operation, which means there are fewer intermediaries between the customer and the source.”
This streamlined approach contrasts with traditional dealer networks where customers will often work through multiple distributors.
“When you’re dealing with a dealer who’s working through another dealer, who’s working with a distributor, you’re adding unnecessary steps and potential delays,” Wilson noted. “In remote mining locations, that can mean the difference between a quick fix and extended, costly downtime.”
Merlo’s telehandlers also incorporate advanced safety systems crucial for PNG mining operations.
The Automatic Stability Control System continuously monitors machine stability, automatically adjusting movement speed and boom extension based on the attachment being used, load weight, and load position. This eliminates the risk of overturning – a critical safety feature for miners who are working on uneven terrain or at height.
“Across all the conversations we had at PNG Expo, operator safety was the one issue that everyone came back to,” Wilson said. “That’s also top of mind across every machine that Merlo develops.”
Building local infrastructure
Wilson and his team also used PNG Expo to sound out industry experts who could help establish a base for sales into the market.
“We’re looking for the right local partner who understands PNG’s mining sector and can provide on-ground support,” Wilson said.
The ideal arrangement would see a PNG-based representative working directly with Merlo’s Australian hub, maintaining the streamlined service model that gives the company its competitive edge.
While the search for a local partner continues, Wilson emphasised that any partnership structure would preserve direct factory access.
“We’re only adding one link to a very short chain,” he said. “Our customers would still have that direct connection to Italy, with the added benefit of local expertise and immediate support.”
As PNG’s mining sector expands, Merlo’s combination of proven technology, direct factory support, and commitment to local partnerships positions it well for regional growth.
This feature appeared in the August–September 2025 issue of PNG Mining.
