plant hire - head to head
Manitou 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.
| Manitou | Merlo | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | France | Italy |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Good UK dealer coverage |
| Range covers | Telescopic handlers, Rough-terrain forklifts, Access platforms | Telescopic handlers, Rotating telehandlers |
| Best known for | MT telehandler range | Roto |
Choose Manitou if...
A telehandler specialist cross-shopped directly against JCB Loadall and Merlo. Strong in agriculture as well as construction, which widens who hires one.
Look at: MT telehandler range
Full Manitou 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.
Manitou vs Merlo - common questions
Is Manitou better than Merlo?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. A telehandler specialist cross-shopped directly against JCB Loadall and Merlo. Strong in agriculture as well as construction, which widens who hires one. 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, Manitou or Merlo?
Manitou: Established UK dealer network, common on construction and agricultural sites. 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.