For the first time, the Merlo Group will have an official presence at the National Ploughing Championships, following recent changes to its distribution model in the Republic of Ireland.

Last month, Merlo announced the appointment of two new dealers for the Republic of Ireland, replacing McHale Plant Sales who previously served as the sole Irish distributor.

The new dealers are FJS Plant Ltd, based in Naas, Co Kildare, and Bonnettstown, Co Kilkenny, and Jim Power Agri Sales Ltd of Tallow, Co Waterford.

One dealer further appointment is expected to be announced soon.

The Italian firm is keen to showcase to ploughing attendees its extensive portfolio of agricultural and construction ranges.

These range from its smallest P27.6 Plus compact telehandler right up to its larger 360-degree 30m boom rotating Roto model, and everything in between.

One of the most recent additions to the Merlo agricultural portfolio and set to sit centre stage at the Ploughing is the TF30.7.

With dimensions of 2m wide by 2m high, it offers a 3t lift capacity and maximum boom height of 7m. It is powered by a 101hp Deutz four-cylinder engine coupled with a hydrostatic 40km/h transmission and churns out a hydraulic flowrate of 100l/min.

For those with greater needs, Merlo will showcase the 140hp TF35.7CS with a 3.5t lift capacity and 7m boom height. It features cab suspension and a load-sensing hydraulic pump with a 139 l/min capacity.

From the construction range, Merlo will present the 75hp, compact P27.6 Plus. Measuring only 1.86m wide and 1.96m high it offers a lift capacity of 2.7t and a lift height of 6m.

Other machine on display will include the P40.17 Plus, Roto 50.30 S Plus and the Cingo tracked carrier range.