Danco plc, the UK’s largest privately owned marquee hire company, has just replaced its fleet of Merlo handlers with four new machines, including a 16m ROTO slewing unit.

Danco were among the early pioneers of the slewing handler, MD Adrian Dann buying the UK’s very first ROTO (a 13m three tonne lift machine) in 1994. Group Operations Director, Tim Clark, says of this machine: “Our ROTO has been in constant use for the bigger marquees, and has clocked up some 7,000 hours. It’s been very reliable and the backup from local dealer Bill Bennett Engineering has been superb.”

Danco re-equip with Merlo

With one of their two 9m machines retained for yard duties, family-owned Danco have moved up-market with these new purchases. As well as a 16m ROTO 30.16K, they have taken three 12m lift P35.12 K conventional handlers with a 3½ tonne capacity. The trend is clearly for bigger marquees (Danco now have a 40m span unit), but compactness and manoeuvrability are just as important as extra lift height and capacity. 

With many operatives trained to use their handlers, ease of use and safety are vital to Danco. Combining the best all-round visibility in the business with the precision of hydrostatic drive gives great confidence in operation, and the built-in safety features (such as overload lockout) protects the workforce.
For Danco plc, these are tools chosen for their performance and reliability. 

Danco doubled its business last year and these new Merlo’s are going straight out to work at Hampton Court. Designed for hard work, they will be expected to deliver!

Tim Clark (centre) accepting 4 new Merlo machines from Bill Bennett (left) and Wayne Freke.

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