JCB Telehandler vs. Merlo Telehandler [And Why One Could Save You $180/Hour]

Let’s be blunt.

If you’re considering a JCB telehandler, you’re not shopping for a toy. You need power, reach, and reliability—on sites where delays cost thousands. But what if there’s another option that gives you all of that plus saves you the cost of a crane operator? That’s exactly where the Merlo Roto 50.35 comes in—and why contractors across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are making the switch.

At Westpeak Equipment, we don’t just rent rotating telehandlers. We back them with hands-on service, real jobsite support, and the kind of no-nonsense process that keeps your project moving. So let’s get into it.

1. Reach & Rotation: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Feature	JCB 512-83R	Merlo Roto 50.35 (Westpeak)
Max Lift Height	83 ft	111'6"
Max Load Capacity	12,000 lbs	11,000 lbs
Max Reach	~70 ft	88'6"
Boom Rotation	360° Continuous	360° Continuous
Cabin Comfort	Pressurized cab	Tilting Comfort Cab

Verdict: The JCB 512-83R is impressive—but Merlo’s Roto 50.35 beats it where it counts: height, reach, and ergonomic control. On tight or tall job sites, that extra 28 feet of lift can make or break your timeline.

2. No Crane Operator Needed ($180/Hour Saved)

Most crane jobs require a licensed operator. That’s an extra $180/hour, whether they’re lifting or sitting.

Merlo’s Roto? No crane certification needed. With 360° rotation and multi-position stabilizers, your existing crew can do the work—legally and safely.

Savings add up fast. 6 hours/day x $180/hour = $1,080/day saved

Over a month? That’s tens of thousands in labour savings—without compromising safety.

3. It’s Not Just a Lift—It’s a System

One of the biggest surprises for first-time renters?

This machine can replace multiple others.

Merlo Roto 50.35s from Westpeak come with:

• Man baskets for elevated crew access

• Jib winches for heavy lifting

• Wide and digging buckets

• Hook attachments

• And (soon) arborist saws for storm cleanups and forestry work

Whether you're building a tower in Richmond, laying slope stabilizers on BC highways, or feeding forms at the base of a dam—this one machine does the job of many.

4. Westpeak’s Rentals Are Built for Real Life

Buying a JCB 512-83R costs north of $340,000. Merlo Roto 50.35s? You're looking at $650,000+ new.

With Westpeak, you skip the sticker shock.

• Rentals start around $14,500–$17,000/month

• No long-term commitment required (but many stay for 6–12+ months)

• All machines are fully serviced, insured, and demoed onsite

• Hands-on support from Merlo-trained techs and partners like Hank's Welding

We’ll walk you through your job requirements, confirm the fit, deliver the equipment, and provide a full demo—before your crew even turns a key.

👉 Contact us today to check availability.

5. You’re Not Buying a Machine—You’re Renting a Team

JCB is a global brand. And that’s the problem. With them, you’re just another number.

At Westpeak Equipment, we’re family-owned. We got our start using Merlos on our chicken farm. One trip to Italy later, we partnered with Merlo to bring this gear to the Western Canadian construction world—with a promise to back every rental like it’s our own project.

When you rent from us, you get:

• Priority service in BC, Alberta & Saskatchewan

• Onsite demos & training

• Direct access to our team (not a call center)

• A network that includes Manulift Canada, Merlo Italy, and Hank’s Welding

And yeah, we’re based right here in the West. Which means we answer the phone.

Ready to Ditch the Crane?

If you’re still comparing, that’s smart. But if you're ready to skip the six figures, keep your crew lean, and finally work with a machine that flexes to your needs...

Then it’s time.

🔧 Check out our fleet 

👷 Learn more about Westpeak 

📞 Inquire about a rental today

Because cranes are great—until you realize you never needed one.