---
title: Grange Roofing Plugs into an Irish First
description: Grange Roofing enhances its operations with Ireland's first Merlo hybrid ROTO, combining electric and diesel power for efficient, low-emission site work.
---

[Loads Better | The Merlo UK & Ireland Blog](https://blog.merlo.com/gbr)

# [Grange Roofing Plugs into an Irish First](https://blog.merlo.com/gbr/grange-roofing-acquires-irelands-first-merlo-hybrid-roto-telehandler)

 Written by [Brian Coogan, Editor and Publisher, Machinery Movers Magazine](https://blog.merlo.com/gbr/author/brian-coogan-editor-and-publisher-machinery-movers-magazine) | 29 October 2026

## **Grange Roofing Plugs into an Irish First**

FJS Plant supplies Ireland’s first Merlo hybrid ROTO to the Meath roofing  
contractor, bringing electric lifting capability to its next generation of site work.

 

One of the machines that caught our attention at this year’s National Ploughing  
Championships now has a customer story to match. County Meath-based Grange Roofing has purchased Ireland’s first Merlo hybrid ROTO, supplied by Kildare dealer [FJS Plant](https://fjs.ie/).

The ROTO 50.26 Plus brings a practical new option to the company’s operations: the ability to carry out lifting work using an external electricity supply, while retaining diesel power for travelling and conventional operation.

For Grange Roofing, the investment creates an opportunity to support clients seeking to reduce emissions from construction activity. It also puts the company at the forefront of an interesting development in the Irish rotating telehandler market.

The attraction is straightforward. Where a suitable electrical connection is available, the machine can undertake its stationary handling duties with the diesel engine switched off.

Big Reach, Different Power

The ROTO 50.26 S Plus offers a maximum lifting capacity of five tonnes and a maximum lift height of 26 metres, together with continuous turret rotation. Those are separate maximum figures: the permitted load depends on reach, attachment and machine configuration, as set out in the load chart. [Merlo model information](https://www.merlo.com/gbr/en/p/telehandlers/rotating-telehandlers/roto-50-26/).

For a roofing contractor, the appeal of a rotating telehandler is clear. Positioning  
materials at height and serving different parts of a working area from an established setup can make it a valuable part of site operations.

The Plug-In system adds another way to power that work. It gives the operator a choice according to the site, the available electricity supply and the task ahead.

Crucially, this is a cable-fed electric hydraulic system. Forward and reverse travel still require the diesel engine. The benefit comes when the machine is positioned and connected, allowing its working functions to operate electrically.

How the Plug-In System Works

Merlo’s system combines a control unit, a 22kW electric motor, a hydraulic pump and a 50-metre connection cable.

It accepts a three-phase, 400V supply through either a 32A or 64A connection. Merlo lists approximate power consumption of 15kW and 22kW respectively for those supply options.

The electric motor drives the hydraulic system, supporting boom movements, turret rotation, stabiliser operation, carriage functions and auxiliary attachment movements. Merlo identifies the system as available for its ROTO S and SPLUS models. [Merlo Plug-In technical information](https://www.merlo.com/gbr/en/news-events/merlo-roto-plug-in-telehandlers/).

The Plug-In module can be specified as a factory-fitted option when ordering a new machine. For buyers considering it, confirming the precise model and equipment package with the supplying dealer will be part of the process. [Merlo’s UK overview](https://blog.merlo.com/gbr/merlos-plug-in-roto-telehandlers-quiet-clean-and-ready-for-the-future).

Less Noise at the Point of Work

Switching off the diesel engine during lifting removes its exhaust emissions from that stage of the operation and reduces engine noise around the machine.

That could be particularly useful on projects close to occupied buildings, in busy urban locations or where contractors need to limit disturbance to neighbouring activities. Merlo also identifies indoor applications among the potential uses for the technology.

The distinction matters when discussing environmental performance. Electric lifting produces no exhaust at the machine, but the overall carbon benefit depends on the electricity source and how much diesel operation it replaces.

Travelling still uses diesel, and electricity supplied by a generator carries its own emissions. For Grange Roofing and its clients, the opportunity is therefore to reduce fuel use and associated emissions during suitable lifting operations. Actual savings will depend on the working pattern and site arrangements.

Plan the Power, Reap the Benefit

Making the most of the machine will involve planning the electrical supply alongside the lifting work. The site team needs to establish where the machine will operate, where it can connect and how the cable will be managed around other activities. Those details are best considered before the machine arrives.

A suitable connection can allow extended periods of electric operation from one setup. Where frequent repositioning is required, the balance between diesel travel and electric lifting will be different.

That is where the relationship with FJS Plant will matter. Explaining the equipment, preparing operators and helping the customer understand the requirements are all part of turning a new capability into a productive working arrangement.

A Practical Step Forward

Grange Roofing’s purchase brings the discussion about lower-emission machinery onto an Irish contractor’s fleet. The company still needs lifting performance, dependable operation and support when required.

The hybrid system adds the opportunity to deliver part of that work with lower noise and without running the diesel engine.

For clients assessing the environmental impact of their projects, that is a useful capability to have available. Recording electric operating hours, electricity consumption and diesel use would also help establish what the investment delivers in practice.

The real interest now lies in seeing the Merlo at work: how Grange Roofing deploys it, which projects make best use of the electrical connection and how it fits into the company’s daily operations.

A first sale makes a headline. A machine proving its worth on site makes the longer-term story—and this is one [Machinery Movers](https://machinerymovers.ie/) will be following.

*Reproduced by kind permission of [Machinery Movers Magazine](https://machinerymovers.ie/).*

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