A new and improved version of Merlin was officially launched on 5th December 2011. In summary, this new model offers a range of important new benefits for both the farmer and the dairy herd: 

• More comfort for the cow.

• Faster teat cup attachment and removal.

• Less time and cost to maintain.

• Extends the service interval.

In a bit  more detail
The new light-weight arm creates less wear on the main pivot points, and also features improved take-off cylinders and new vacuum shut-off valves for faster teat cup attachment and removal.  The re-designed arm also provides improved ergonomics, giving a greater range of reach for improved teat cup alignment, especially for cows with smaller and irregularly shaped udders.  The new design also provides better protection to the robot’s internal components for greater reliability and longevity.
 
The key benefits with the new Fullwood Merlin are:

• From a setting, calibration and start up point of view, the majority of issues with Merlin 225 have been eliminated.

• Service, maintenance and fault finding wiring and tubing looms will all be pre-numbered making all these tasks much easier.

• Improved electrical conductors and fasteners should eliminate some of the transportation issues.

• Re-designed architecture in cabinet will mean greater protection for items and an easier working environment.

• Pre-wired harnesses should make changing components much faster.

• Improved attachment height.

• Removal of ‘Lely box’. A visual improvement but also easier servicing and maintenance.

• Improved take-off cylinder design - stainless steel as standard

• Better protection of all components, and arm and further removal of items from dirty area

• Lighter weight of arm, reducing wear on main pivot points.

• Improved tube routing resulting in better washing and reduced water requirement