First impressions count and it has been nearly two months since the Guinan family of Tullamore, Co. Offaly won a year's use of a Merlo Multifarmer 34.7, giving them enough time to get used to working it and discover its strengths.

Overall, the Guinans are finding the Multifarmer a great addition to the farm, making the tasks around the yard quicker and easier.

They are particularly enthused about the manoeuvrability  of the machine with the four-wheel steering enabling it to spin around the yard more quickly than the tractor and loader it is replacing for the time being.

Power is never an issue either - the 140hp Deutz engine has yet to meet its match and moves the 6.6t machine with a convincing rapidity, even with a heavy bucket of stone attached, which in this case can amount to a further 2.7t.

Tested on an agitator, there was no issue with the power available at the power takeoff (PTO) either.

The PTO drove the pump as well as any tractor on the farm and jobs like this go to prove the versatility and ability of the Multifarmer to fit in to the system when other machines may be tied up.

Other non-loading jobs the machine has been tasked with include pasture topping with a standard mounted disc mower on the rear linkage.

While this would usually be the job of a tractor, it was given a go with the Multifarmer despite it being a standard right-hand machine on a loader with a cab to the left.

The combination worked well, although there was an extra niggle in addition to the reduced vision to the right, which was that the release cord used to unlatch from the transport position had no clear way into the cab.

Having to dismount from the loader to release the mower bed was not a major inconvenience, but - as suggested by Kevin Guinan, owner of the Co. Offaly farm along with his father Michael - it was a situation that could be improved upon with some sort of opening in the rear of the cab.

The ride and comfort of the cab is another feature admired by both Kevin and Michael who have now spent over 100 hours between them using the loader.

Full cab and boom suspension add up to a smooth ride, with the bonus that the whole frame can be tilted slightly to either side. Kevin said he has already made good use of this feature when loading a lorry for a neighbour that was parked on a slope.

It is a small feature, but it made a big difference to the the ease of the job and is something that has greatly added to the appeal of the machine.

However, Kevin pointed out that there is no auto return to level it out afterwards. This may appear a minor omission but is a niggle he feels should be addressed by the manufacturer.

There is no complaint about the lifting performance of the machine. Some trackway maintenance required stone to be shifted with the bucket.

Michael Guinan told Agriland that, according to the on-board weigher, 2.7t of stone can be carried, which is around three times as much as the Guinans' own loader.

Yet the Multifarmer handled this weight with ease and precision, allowing this job, and some tree clearance, to be performed quickly and safely, far more so than would have been possible with the Guinans' tractor.

The hydraulics are quite quick, according to Kevin. The boom lifts and extends swiftly, but not so fast that it could be judged as unsafe. Attaching implements is also a breeze, with Kevin having great regard for the single central locking pin.

When approaching the end of its reach, or return, the movement of the boom slows down for the last half metre or so, creating a cushioning effect and stopping it banging against the travel stops.

This is another small feature perhaps, but makes for a calmer operation and - along with the suspension already mentioned - the user experience is smoothed out, making for a less tiring day.

Control through the joystick is another item appreciated by the Guinans.

On the rear, there is a selector switch for direction, and here opinion differs. Michael finds it particularly useful whereas Kevin still prefers to use the lever mounted in the traditional place below the steering wheel.

However, the neutral button on the top, next to the boom and external service switches, is used by both and pressed before dismounting, ensuring the loader stays where it is while there is nobody in the cab.

According to the Guinans, the air conditioning/heater works well, keeping the cab glass clear of condensation, though the filters at the rear top of the cab appear to be vulnerable to water ingress and the area is avoided when using a pressure washer. They are probably quite safe, but reassurance is required.

Being a cab on a farm vehicle, the floor quickly accumulates spanners, pins, and the usual mix of odds and ends.

A toolbox mounted on the outside is an item that would be immeasurably useful. If the Multifarmer was owned by the Guinans, they might have already added one, but having one fitted as standard would be a bonus.

From within the cab, the engine fan can be reversed to clear the radiator, producing a satisfying cloud of dust and debris when it is engaged,

It is often said that a materials handler of any type soon becomes the busiest machine on the farm, and this appears to be the case at the Guinans.

With over 100 hours of use within just six weeks, they are obviously finding plenty of work for the Multifarmer, and this in a quieter period for such machines, especially here where the silage pit is filled by contractors and bales have not yet been made.

It is unlikely that there would be this intensity of use if the Guinans did not find it of value and convenience. Generally speaking, they are delighted with how it has worked for them so far.

Yes, there are one or two niggles, as there will be with any machine, and maybe this particular model might be a little too large for the farm, especially with the grain bucket supplied.

But the Guinans keep climbing on board every day and will be pushing the 1,000-hour limit come the end of the trial year - that is the real judgement of any tractor or loader.