Panel Lift vs Telehandler: Which Lifting Tool Wins on Your Job Site?
- Stephen Baker
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Drywall jobs demand precision. Construction sites demand power. If you need both, it’s time to settle the debate: panel lift vs telehandler.
At Westpeak Equipment, we rent only one kind of machine: the Merlo Roto telehandler. Why? Because it replaces more than one tool on your job site. If you're deciding between renting a panel lift or a telehandler for your next project, here's what you need to know.
1. What Is a Panel Lift?
Best For: Installing drywall, sheetrock, or large wall panels.
A panel lift—also known as a drywall lift—is a simple mechanical tool used to raise drywall sheets to ceiling or wall height. It’s lightweight, manually operated, and perfect for one job only: lifting panels in interior construction.
Pros:
Affordable and easy to use
Ideal for solo or small crew drywall jobs
Smooth and stable panel positioning
Cons:
Limited to interior use
Can’t handle other materials
No reach beyond ceiling height
👉 Need to lift more than drywall? Check out our Merlo telehandlers.
2. What Is a Telehandler?
Best For: Versatile lifting in tough environments—indoors or out.
A telehandler (telescopic handler) uses a powerful boom arm to lift, extend, and place heavy materials in places traditional lifts can’t reach. The Merlo Roto 50.35 telehandler rented by Westpeak Equipment includes 360° rotation, 11,000 lbs capacity, and up to 111'6" lift height.
Pros:
Massive reach and load capacity
Handles drywall, beams, trusses, pallets, and more
Works in mud, gravel, slopes, and harsh terrain
Multiple attachments: forks, buckets, man baskets, winches
Cons:
Requires trained operator
More expensive than basic lifts (but replaces multiple machines)
👉 Want one machine that does it all? Rent a Merlo from Westpeak.
3. Key Differences: Panel Lift vs Telehandler
Feature | Panel Lift | Merlo Telehandler |
Load Type | Drywall/panels only | Drywall, trusses, pallets |
Reach | Ceiling height only | Up to 111'6" vertical + horizontal reach |
Terrain | Flat indoor surfaces | All terrain |
Operator | Manual | Trained operator |
Use Cases | Drywall installation | Construction, framing, roofing, landscaping |
👉 Need to lift more than just drywall? Merlo telehandlers do it better.
4. Which One Saves You Time and Money?
It might seem cheaper to buy or rent a panel lift. But on real job sites where materials, heights, and conditions change fast, that savings disappears. A Merlo telehandler:
Cuts downtime with fast repositioning
Reduces need for multiple machines
Handles drywall, beams, and structural loads all with one unit
Boosts crew safety and site efficiency
👉 Fewer machines. Fewer delays. Get your quote today.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Know Your Environment
Panel lifts are limited to clean, flat, interior job sites. They don’t do well with dust, debris, or uneven flooring. Telehandlers, on the other hand, are built for rugged outdoor work but can also be used indoors in large commercial spaces. If your job site changes conditions or includes both indoor and outdoor components, a telehandler offers the flexibility you need.
6. Transport and Setup: What It Takes to Get Started
A panel lift can fit in the back of a truck and be carried by one person. Great for convenience—but it can’t move heavy material around site. A Merlo telehandler requires transport and professional delivery (which Westpeak handles), but once it’s there, it can replace multiple tools and handle complex lifts on its own. Think of it as bringing in one machine to replace five.
7. Job Site Efficiency: One Crew, One Machine
With a panel lift, your crew may be limited to one type of task: drywall. But with a Merlo telehandler, the same crew can tackle drywall, framing, pallet transport, rooftop placement, and more—all without calling in additional machinery. This minimizes downtime, reduces labor cost, and keeps your project moving.
Q&A: Panel Lift vs Telehandler
Can a panel lift be used outdoors?
No. It’s strictly for flat, indoor surfaces. It can’t handle wind, slopes, or rain.
Can a telehandler lift drywall panels?
Yes—especially with the right attachment. It also lifts everything else you’ll need.
Is a telehandler worth the cost?
Absolutely. It replaces multiple rentals (like a panel lift, forklift, and boom lift) and saves you time on every project.
Where can I rent a Merlo telehandler?
Right here at Westpeak Equipment. We deliver across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Westpeak Equipment is Western Canada’s trusted source for Merlo telehandler rentals. Whether you’re lifting drywall, roof trusses, or everything in between, we deliver performance, flexibility, and service that gets the job done right.
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