Looking at a Telehandler for Sale? [5 Truths Most Dealers Won’t Tell You]

Apr 22, 2025
3 min read

Searching telehandler for sale means you’re serious about getting the job done. Maybe you’ve got projects lined up. Maybe you’re tired of relying on someone else’s gear. Maybe it just feels like the next step.

But here’s the truth no one talks about.

Buying a telehandler could be the smartest move you ever make. It could also tie up $650,000 of your cash, leave you stuck with the wrong machine, or cost you more than it earns.

So before you buy, read this.

1. That $650K Machine Might Sit for Months

A good rotating telehandler like the Merlo Roto 50.35 can run upwards of $650,000. Add maintenance, insurance, transport, and storage — and you’re well into heavy equipment territory.

But here’s the catch.

If you’re not using it every week, it’s not earning its keep. And if it breaks down, you’re the mechanic.

At Westpeak Equipment, we rent the same high-performance Merlo Roto 50.35 for around $14,500–$17,000/month. That includes:

Delivery
Setup
Onsite training
Full support from Merlo-trained techs

You only pay when you need it. And when you’re done? It goes back to us.

📞 Contact us today to check availability.

2. You Don’t Need a Crane Operator

Here’s a number most contractors overlook: $180 per hour. That’s what a crane operator costs you — even when they’re waiting around.

But the Merlo Roto 50.35? No crane license required.

Our clients use it to:

Set trusses
Work below and above ground on the same site
Handle high-volume commercial jobs without needing a crane crew

One crew in Richmond used two Rotos to build a full underground parkade and ground-level structure — no crane, no delays, and tens of thousands saved.

3. Attachments Make or Break Your Setup

A telehandler isn’t just a lift. It’s a system. And if you’re buying? You better know what attachments you’ll need.

Buckets, winches, jibs, man baskets — all of these cost extra, and you’ll need the right attachment for every new job.

With Westpeak’s rental fleet, you can swap attachments as needed. You tell us what the job is — we make sure you’re ready.

You build. We bring the lift.

👷 Meet the team

4. Most People Searching “Telehandler for Sale” Don’t Know What They Actually Need

Big brands like JCB, JLG, and Manitou will ask you:

What capacity do you need?
What height?
What tire type?
What boom extension?

But if you’re just starting out or scaling up, you may not know yet. And that’s okay.

At Westpeak, you don’t need to memorize spec sheets or load charts. Just tell us what you're lifting, where, and how often — we’ll do the rest.

If you later decide to buy, at least you’ll know what works.

Most People Searching “Telehandler for Sale” Don’t Know What They Actually Need

5. Renting Buys You Time, Cash Flow, and Confidence

If you’re managing multiple crews, timelines, or remote jobs, owning one telehandler might actually slow you down.

Renting means:

You never pay when the machine’s idle
You don’t stress over breakdowns or parts
You can take on bigger jobs without taking on more risk

You can even test out a machine like the Merlo Roto 50.35 before making a full purchase decision.

And for most growing contractors across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan — that flexibility is worth its weight in concrete blocks.

Final Word: Should You Buy a Telehandler?

Here’s the rule we give our clients:

If your machine will be active on at least 10 job sites this year, buying might make sense. But if you’re unsure, expanding, or want to keep your costs predictable — renting wins. Every time.