Scissor Lift vs. Merlo Telehandler: Which One Wins on Today’s Job Site?

Two Lifts. Two Purposes. One Clear Winner.

If you’re debating between a scissors lift and a Merlo telehandler for your next job, you’re not alone. Both machines raise people and materials. But when you compare what they can do versus what you need done on modern job sites, there’s a clear leader—and it’s not the one with the crisscrossing beams.

At Westpeak Equipment, we rent only one kind of telehandler: the Merlo Roto 50.35. Why? Because it outperforms scissors lifts in nearly every category that matters: height, reach, versatility, and terrain adaptability.

👉 Need more than just up-and-down? Contact our team

What Is a Scissors Lift?

A scissors lift (often misspelled "scissor lift") is a mobile work platform that moves vertically using a pantograph-style mechanism. It's a staple in warehouses, retail, and indoor construction because of its:

• Simplicity

• Stability

• Safety (guardrails, enclosed platforms)

But as job sites evolve, especially outdoors and in rough terrain, so do your equipment needs. That’s where scissors lifts begin to fall short.

👉 Looking for something safer on slopes? Explore our fleet

5 Ways Merlo Telehandlers Outperform Scissors Lifts

1. Reach That Goes Beyond Vertical

A scissors lift only moves up and down. A Merlo Roto telehandler? It rotates 360° and extends over 111 feet vertically and 89 feet horizontally.

That means you can place loads on rooftops, work over obstacles, and lift from the ground to a second or third story—all without repositioning the machine.

2. All-Terrain Capability

Scissors lifts struggle with anything but smooth surfaces. Windy? Muddy? Sloped? Forget it.

The Merlo Roto 50.35 is built for the harshest terrain in BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Its stabilizers and off-road tires make it the better choice for:

• Construction sites

• Uneven ground

• Remote installs

3. Crew + Cargo, Not Just One

Scissors lifts carry workers. Merlo telehandlers carry workers, pallets, beams, trusses, buckets, and more—with attachments like:

• Man baskets

• Forks

• Jibs

• Winches

👉 One machine, dozens of functions. Request a quote today

4. Safety and Control

While scissors lifts offer fall protection, their stability ends at around 28 mph of wind and completely flat ground. Merlo telehandlers include:

• Smart load sensors

• Auto-leveling systems

• Operator-friendly joystick control

The result? Greater control and fewer safety risks for your team.

5. Time + Cost Efficiency

Scissors lifts might seem cheaper upfront. But what about the cost of:

• Multiple machines

• Repositioning every time you need to shift laterally

• Delays from terrain or weather limitations

With a Merlo telehandler, you do more with less. One machine. Fewer rentals. More uptime.

👉 Want fewer delays? Book a Merlo now

Not Just Height: Why Flexibility Matters More Than Ever

Modern job sites change daily. You might be framing on Monday and lifting HVAC units on Tuesday. A scissors lift gives you one movement—up and down. But a Merlo Roto telehandler is built to adapt:

• Need to hoist materials over a wall? Merlo can.

• Need to access hard-to-reach angles or confined spaces? Merlo rotates and extends.

• Want to attach a man basket in the morning and a jib in the afternoon? No problem.

This flexibility saves time and reduces the need for multiple machines or costly rework.

👉 See why Western Canada's top builders trust Merlo. Learn more

Operator Comfort = Safer, Better Results

One of the overlooked benefits of Merlo telehandlers is the comfort built into every detail:

• Ergonomic cab with adjustable seat and intuitive controls

• 180° door access with full visibility

• Advanced HVAC system for hot and cold days

Fatigued operators make mistakes. The Merlo Roto 50.35 was designed with long shifts in mind—because productivity should never come at the expense of comfort or safety.

👉 Comfort + control = smarter lifting. Explore the Roto 50.35

When a Scissors Lift Might Still Make Sense

Let’s be fair. A scissors lift isn’t useless. It’s ideal for:

• Indoor work

• Low-rise ceiling tasks

• Stable, clean environments

Need to change lighting in a warehouse or fix ceiling tiles? Go scissors lift.

But the minute you need to do more than go straight up—or deal with rough terrain, height, or heavy loads—you’re better off renting a Merlo.

👉 Still unsure? Talk to Westpeak

Q&A: Scissors Lift vs. Merlo Telehandler

Can a scissors lift be used outdoors?

Sometimes—but only on smooth, flat ground with good weather. Wind or uneven surfaces can quickly become a hazard.

Which is safer: a scissors lift or a Merlo telehandler?

Both can be safe when used correctly, but Merlo offers advanced stability controls and versatility that reduce the need for repositioning (a common hazard).

What is the load capacity difference?

Scissors lifts usually max out at 1,000 lbs. The Merlo Roto 50.35 can lift up to 11,000 lbs with ease.

Can I use a Merlo telehandler instead of renting multiple machines?

Yes. With attachments, it can replace boom lifts, rough terrain forklifts, light cranes, and scissors lifts.

Final Verdict: Choose the Right Lift for the Right Job

If you only need to go straight up indoors, a scissors lift might be the right call.

But if your project involves rough terrain, multiple stories, or materials that need to be placed precisely, then the Merlo Roto telehandler is a no-brainer.

At Westpeak Equipment, we rent Merlo telehandlers because they offer contractors in Western Canada the most flexibility, safety, and value—backed by service from a team that actually knows job sites.

👉 Tired of being limited by your lift? Book your Merlo today

Ready to Work Smarter? Rent a Merlo from Westpeak

At Westpeak Equipment, we don’t just rent machines—we rent confidence. Whether you’re lifting heavy beams, reaching awkward heights, or working on rough terrain, our Merlo Roto 50.35 telehandlers give you the power and precision to get the job done—safely, efficiently, and without compromise.

With 11,000 lbs of lifting capacity, 111'6" of vertical reach, and full 360° rotation, our Merlos are engineered for serious performance on Western Canada's toughest job sites. And because we’re a family-owned company, you’ll get support that’s personal, honest, and always focused on your success.

📦Weekly and monthly rentals 

🔧Multiple attachments available 

🚛Fast delivery across BC, Alberta & Saskatchewan 

🛠 Backed by local support and mobile servicing

👉Get in touch today and let’s get your Merlo telehandler on-site—where it belongs.