Magni, Manitou or Merlo? The Rotating Telehandler Brand Comparison

Anyone who has decided on a rotating telehandler faces the next question: which of the three major brands suits their project? Magni, Manitou and Merlo all build rotating telehandlers with comparable specifications – lifting heights of up to almost 40 metres, load capacities of up to 8 tonnes – but they differ significantly in control philosophy, chassis design and cabin concept. This comparison classifies the three manufacturers along the criteria that actually determine satisfaction on the jobsite in practice.

Unlike simpler machines, rotating telehandlers differ not only in their rated values but above all in their operating logic. An operator who has worked with a particular system for years does not automatically transfer their feel for load moments, joystick response and outrigger behaviour to a different brand. For tasks with high precision requirements – such as swinging a window front into place with the work platform – this difference can be the difference between a smooth working day and repeated corrective movements.

Within Luibl Rental's fleet, Magni positions itself as the brand with the strongest focus on digital support for the operator. The RTH series offers high lifting capacity across almost all size classes as well as automatic load chart calculation, which adjusts the permissible load capacity in real time depending on the attachment fitted – fork, winch or work platform. This is complemented by a touch-based operating interface in the cabin that displays operating parameters more clearly than classic analogue instruments.

For operators who frequently switch between different attachments or work with changing personnel, this automatic detection reduces the risk of error: the machine does not need to be manually reconfigured for each attachment. Within the fleet, Magni covers almost the entire range from the compact class (RTH 4.18, around 18 m lifting height) to the high-lift class (RTH 6.39SH, almost 39 m lifting height).

For its Roto series, Merlo focuses on a different differentiating feature: ride comfort. The suspended cabin significantly reduces vibration when driving over uneven terrain – an advantage that particularly matters during long shifts and frequent site changes on large construction sites. At the same time, Merlo Roto models are often more compact compared to similarly capable machines from competitors, which is a practical advantage on inner-city or confined sites with narrow access routes.

The controls are considered particularly precise for fine adjustments, which is noticeable during intricate assembly work with the work platform. Within the fleet, the Merlo Roto range extends from the compact 40.16 (4 t / around 16 m) to the heavy-duty 50.35S Plus (around 34 m lifting height at just under 5 t load capacity and 27 m horizontal outreach).

Manitou differentiates its MRT series primarily through the chassis. Consistent all-wheel drive combined with several selectable steering modes – including so-called crab steering, where the front and rear axles shift in parallel – makes the MRT models the preferred choice on unpaved or heavily sloped terrain. Where other machines need several manoeuvring attempts, an MRT can often move directly sideways thanks to its flexible steering.

This off-road strength particularly pays off in shell construction, on earthworks sites and on projects with changing ground conditions. Within the fleet, Manitou covers a broad spectrum with models ranging from the MRT 1840 (entry-level class, around 18 m) to the MRT 3570 (heavy-duty class, 7 t load capacity at almost 35 m lifting height and 28 m horizontal outreach).

Regardless of which brand is in focus, the rotating telehandlers available at Luibl Rental can be grouped into four performance classes. The compact class covers lifting heights of up to 18 metres at around 4 tonnes load capacity and is suitable for confined urban sites and renovation projects. The standard class covers 21 to 26 metres and 5 to 6 tonnes and forms the all-rounder for modern building construction. The heavy-duty class covers 26 to 35 metres at 7 to 8 tonnes and is preferably used in concrete and bridge construction, while the high-lift class, at 30 to 39 metres and up to 7 tonnes, often makes economic sense as an alternative to a mobile crane. All three brands are represented across several of these classes within the fleet.

An important point for practical use: the choice of brand does not limit the available attachments. Whether a winch and load hook for use as a jobsite crane, a work platform for assembly and maintenance work, pallet forks for transporting materials at height, or buckets and grabs for bulk material – all these attachments can be rented at Luibl Rental regardless of the manufacturer chosen. Anyone who regularly switches between attachments benefits particularly from Magni's automatic load chart adjustment.

Regardless of the brand decision, the same safety standards apply to all rotating telehandlers in Luibl Rental's fleet. Every machine has an integrated load moment limiter that permanently monitors weight and reach and prevents the machine from tipping. Variable outrigger systems – depending on the model, scissor or folding outriggers – allow levelling even on uneven terrain. All machines are inspected in accordance with VUV Art. 8 and delivered with a valid inspection sticker. Which operator qualification is required for use and how the written authorisation must be documented is explained in the guide to the IPAF operator card.

Rental costs differ mainly by performance class, less by brand. As a guideline: a Manitou MRT 2660 (6 t / 26 m) costs around CHF 495 per day; for a five-day rental the rate drops to around CHF 325 per day, and to around CHF 4,750 per month. A more compact Merlo Roto 40.16 (4 t / 16 m) is significantly lower: around CHF 380 per day, around CHF 255 per day for five days, and around CHF 2,980 per month. The prices stated are guideline values for standard equipment; transport, insurance and additional equipment are calculated separately depending on the order.

For projects with frequent attachment changes and a desire for digital support, the Magni RTH is the obvious choice. Anyone running long shifts on confined sites and valuing ride comfort will find the Merlo Roto the better-suited system. And anyone working on unpaved or heavily sloped terrain benefits most from the all-wheel drive and steering technology of the Manitou MRT. In practice, it is often not the brand alone that decides, but the combination of performance class, attachment and terrain requirements – the Luibl Rental team is happy to advise on the right match for your specific project.

Which brand has the highest lifting height in the fleet? Currently, the Magni RTH 6.39SH achieves the highest lifting height in Luibl Rental's Roto range at almost 39 metres, followed by Manitou and Merlo with models reaching approximately 34 to 35 metres.

Do the attachments differ depending on the brand? No. Winch, work platform, pallet forks, buckets and grabs are available regardless of the manufacturer.

Which brand is best suited to rough terrain? The Manitou MRT stands out most on unpaved or sloped ground thanks to its consistent all-wheel drive and flexible steering modes such as crab steering.

Is one brand safer than another? No. All rotating telehandlers in the fleet feature a load moment limiter, variable outrigger systems and are uniformly inspected in accordance with VUV Art. 8.

Can I rent different brands for one project at the same time? Yes, this is common practice for combined offers on large construction sites, for example when different performance classes or terrain requirements need to be covered at several locations simultaneously.

Questions about the right brand and performance class for your project are answered by the Luibl Rental team during service hours Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00.

Request a rotating telehandler now →