Mobile Crane vs Telehandler: Which Machine Makes More Sense for Your Job Site?
- Stephen Baker
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
If you’re weighing your options between a mobile crane and a telehandler, you’re likely managing a construction project where lifting power, mobility, and efficiency are non-negotiable. At Westpeak Equipment, we specialize in renting Merlo Roto telehandlers across Western Canada. So we’ve seen firsthand where each machine excels—and where one outshines the other.
In this blog, we’ll break down the real differences between a mobile crane and a telehandler, what each machine is best for, and why contractors are increasingly choosing one versatile lift to replace several traditional machines.
1. What Is a Mobile Crane?
A mobile crane is a heavy-duty machine built for vertical lifting. Unlike tower cranes (which are stationary), mobile cranes are mounted on trucks or rough terrain carriers and can move around the job site. Some of the most common types include:
Truck-Mounted Cranes – Great for highway travel and fast setup
Rough Terrain Cranes – Designed for off-road worksites
Crawler Cranes – Tracks instead of wheels for stability on soft ground
All-Terrain Cranes – Combine highway mobility with rough terrain performance
Pros:
Extreme vertical lift (up to hundreds of tons)
Essential for steel erection, high-rise construction, and bridge work
Highly precise lifting with minimal sway
Cons:
Expensive to rent and operate
Requires permits and certified operators
Less maneuverable once set up
2. What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler (telescopic handler) is a lift machine that blends the reach of a crane with the maneuverability of a forklift. It uses a boom arm to lift loads forward and upward—and with models like the Merlo Roto 50.35, you also get full 360° rotation, rough terrain handling, and multiple attachments.
Best For:
Drywall, pallets, beams, trusses
Landscaping materials
Tight-access or uneven terrain job sites
Pros:
Lifts up to 11,000 lbs to 111'6" high
Multiple attachments (forks, winches, man baskets)
Compact enough for indoor/outdoor use
Moves while carrying a load
Cons:
Lower max lift capacity than cranes
Requires operator training (but faster to learn)
👉 At Westpeak, we rent only Merlo Roto telehandlers—because they replace multiple machines with one smart solution.
3. Side-by-Side Comparison: Mobile Crane vs Telehandler
Feature | Mobile Crane | Merlo Roto Telehandler |
Max Lift Capacity | 20 to 500+ tons | Up to 11,000 lbs (approx. 5.5 tons) |
Vertical Reach | 80–300+ feet | Up to 111'6" |
Horizontal Reach | Limited | Extended forward reach |
Terrain Handling | Truck/rough terrain only | All-terrain (mud, gravel, slopes) |
Setup Time | Long, often needs permits | Fast setup, minimal site prep |
Attachments | Hook, bucket (limited) | Forks, buckets, man baskets, winches |
Mobility While Lifting | Fixed during lifts | Can reposition with load |
Cost to Rent | High (plus permits/logistics) | Moderate, replaces multiple machines |
4. The Disadvantages of Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes offer raw power—but they come at a price. Here’s what you’re dealing with:
High rental and transport costs
Permit requirements in many municipalities
Restricted movement once positioned
Single-use function (can’t handle pallets, beams, etc.)
Unless you’re working on a skyscraper or bridge, the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits.
5. Why Contractors Choose Telehandlers Instead
The Merlo Roto 50.35 is more than just a lift—it’s a crew multiplier.
Do more with one machine (drywall, framing, roof loads, etc.)
No time lost repositioning or switching equipment
360° rotation + boom reach = unbeatable site coverage
Works in snow, mud, gravel, or grass
👉 Contractors across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan trust Westpeak’s Merlo telehandlers for the jobs cranes can’t flex for.
6. Use Cases: When to Use a Mobile Crane vs Telehandler
Job Type | Best Choice | Why |
Bridge construction | Mobile crane | Heavy steel loads and vertical height |
Multi-storey residential build | Telehandler | Versatile material handling, tight spaces |
Agricultural lifting | Telehandler | Flexible attachments, rough terrain mobility |
High-rise city tower | Mobile crane | Height and precision lifting |
Roofing trusses on slope | Telehandler | Extended reach + stable terrain handling |
Q&A: Mobile Crane vs Telehandler
Can a telehandler lift as much as a mobile crane?
No—but it can lift enough for most mid-sized construction jobs, and it does a lot more than just lift.
Are telehandlers safer than cranes?
Both require trained operators. Telehandlers are often safer for dynamic sites due to better mobility and visibility.
What’s the biggest advantage of a telehandler?
Versatility. You can swap attachments, reposition easily, and reduce how many machines you need on-site.
Where can I rent a Merlo telehandler in Western Canada?
Right here at Westpeak Equipment. We deliver across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Ready to Lift Smarter?
Westpeak Equipment rents only one machine—because it replaces five others.
✅ Merlo Roto 50.35 Telehandler
✅ Up to 111'6" of reach
✅ 360° rotation + all-terrain power
✅ Attachments for every job
👉 Book Your Rental Now
👉 Why Westpeak?