plant hire - head to head
JLG Industries vs Merlo
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| JLG Industries | Merlo | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | United States | Italy |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Good UK dealer coverage |
| Range covers | boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, low-level access | Telescopic handlers, Rotating telehandlers |
| Best known for | 450AJ | Roto |
Choose JLG Industries if...
JLG Industries, founded in Pennsylvania in 1969 by John L. Grove, is one of the two dominant global manufacturers of boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers alongside Genie. Its booms and scissors form a large share of major UK powered access hire fleets. Contractors and access hire companies specify JLG where diesel boom lift reach and outdoor terrain capability are the priority.
Look at: 450AJ, 1930ES
Full JLG Industries profile →Choose Merlo if...
Best known for rotating telehandlers, which do jobs a fixed-boom machine cannot and command a different hire rate for it. A specialist choice rather than a general fleet default.
Look at: Roto
Full Merlo profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK plant hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
JLG Industries vs Merlo - common questions
Is JLG Industries better than Merlo?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. JLG Industries, founded in Pennsylvania in 1969 by John L. Grove, is one of the two dominant global manufacturers of boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers alongside Genie. Its booms and scissors form a large share of major UK powered access hire fleets. Contractors and access hire companies specify JLG where diesel boom lift reach and outdoor terrain capability are the priority. Best known for rotating telehandlers, which do jobs a fixed-boom machine cannot and command a different hire rate for it. A specialist choice rather than a general fleet default.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, JLG Industries or Merlo?
JLG Industries: JLG booms and scissors form a large part of UK national hire fleets including Briggs Equipment and AFI-Rentals. Merlo: Established UK presence, strong in agriculture.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK plant hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.