Discover Today's Rotating handler of choice

Rotating telehandlers have become a familiar sight on busy construction sites, and Merlo’s ROTO line continues to push the boundaries of what these machines can do. Whether you’re manoeuvring through tight urban plots or lifting heavy loads on sprawling industrial jobs, the latest ROTO models are built to give operators more reach, more stability, and more control — without making life complicated in the cab.

Compact Workhorses: ROTO 40.16S & 40.18S

Merlo’s entry-level ROTO machines — the 40.16S and 40.18S — may be the smallest in the family, but they don’t feel it when you’re working. Both offer a generous 415° rotation and lift capacities up to 4 tonnes, with maximum lift heights of 15.8m and 17.7m respectively. On cramped sites, that rotation and compact footprint make a real difference, letting the operator set up once and cover a surprising amount of ground without repositioning.

A simple up-and-down stabiliser layout keeps setup fast and intuitive, and the two‑speed hydrostatic transmission tops out at 40kph for getting around larger sites. Like some of the smaller stabilised Panoramic machines, these ROTO models benefit from Merlo’s Eco Power Drive (EPD), which quietly trims fuel use by automatically managing engine and pump output. The familiar self‑accelerating joystick also appears here, adding a welcome bit of refinement when feathering hydraulic movements.

Stepping Up: The ROTO 50 Series

Move into the mid‑range models — the 50.21S PLUS, 50.26S PLUS, 50.30S PLUS, and the beefier 70.24S PLUS — and you start to feel the step change. At 5 and 7 tonnes of lifting capacity and lift heights stretching up to 29.2m, these machines are built for more demanding lifting jobs and taller structures.

One of the standout features here is the 20-degree tilting cab. It sounds like a small detail, but when you’re craning loads well above eye level, the ability to tilt the cab up transforms visibility and cuts down neck strain. A dual-pump hydraulic layout speeds up boom movements, while the continuous rotation turret and automatic “out and down” stabilisers take much of the faff out of levelling and setup.

These machines also take Merlo’s larger ZM3 headstock, opening the door to heavier-duty attachments and bigger lifting tasks.

Top-End Muscle: ROTO 50.35S PLUS & 70.28S PLUS

At the top of the tree sit the 34m 50.35S PLUS and the 28m 70.28S PLUS — machines clearly designed for serious lifting and precision placement. Both come equipped with CVTRONIC transmission, giving smooth acceleration from standstill up to 40kph without the usual jolts across the tortoise‑to‑hare range. They’re built for operators who need to move big loads, accurately, all day long.

Operator Comfort & Cab Practicality

Spend a few minutes inside any ROTO cab and it's obvious Merlo has carried over many of the practical touches from their full machine line-up. The cab door opens right back to 180°, and there’s a properly sized handrail built into the inner panel — small details that make the multiple in‑and‑outs of a typical day much easier.

The air‑conditioning system has also had some thought put into it. With the inlet high and away from dusty wheel arches, it warms up and cools down noticeably faster than older systems and keeps dust out of the vents.

Controls are grouped into clear zones: stabilisers and park brake on one side, joystick and flow controls front and centre, and a 10-inch screen handling machine profiles and safety settings. With dual-joystick operation, slewing remains active even if the left joystick is raised — ideal when you’re hopping in and out to guide loads or set-up lift points.

Smart Safety, Built In

Merlo’s ROTO machines lean heavily on automated safety systems — not to interfere with the operator, but to prevent the small mistakes that become big ones. Automatic stability recognition adjusts boom limitations if stabilisers aren’t fully deployed, while the ASCS system identifies attachments and updates load charts on the fly.

In practice, this means the machine can safely squeeze into tighter areas while still giving the operator the confidence to lift within safe working limits.

Flexible by Design

With hooks, winches, platforms, booms, and specialist tools available, a ROTO can switch roles quickly — from crane to aerial platform to materials handler. Remote control capability means operators can run turret and boom movements from the ground or the platform, giving a clearer view of the job and improving safety on complex lifts.

A Practical Upgrade on Packed Sites

More reach, more lift, fewer repositions — that’s the everyday advantage of a rotating telehandler over a fixed one. Across the range, Merlo’s ROTO models are designed to cut cycle times, improve visibility, and simplify cab workflows, all while keeping fuel use in check.

With an all-new ROTO line-up previewed at bauma 2025 and set for UK release in  2026, operators can expect even more refinements in stability control, cab tech, and hydraulic performance in the near future.