Halve working time, reduce costs: Telehandler as an alternative to cranes

Summary

Telehandlers halve working hours and reduce costs by up to 40%.They are ready for use in less than 30 minutes, while a crane often takes 4–6 hours to set up. With lifting heights of up to 24–35 m and load capacities of up to 16 t, they cover the majority of typical construction site work. With pick & carry and 360° rotation, they replace a crane, forklift, and work platform in a single unit in many projects.

For decision-makers this means:Less downtime, lower rental costs (daily rental often only 0.6–0.8 times that of a crane), more compact logistics, and greater flexibility on tight construction sites. This guide shows where telehandlers demonstrate their strengths, when a crane is still necessary, which attachments and safety regulations are important, and when renting, long-term leasing, or purchasing is worthwhile.

Telehandlers combine the functions of a crane, forklift , and work platform in a single device. When used correctly, they significantly reduce setup times, accelerate material flows, and lower rental and operating costs – especially on tight construction sites and short-term installations. This guide guides B2B decision-makers through all relevant aspects: efficiency, costs, technology, safety, logistics, application limits, and procurement.

Business Case: When Telehandlers Save Time and Money

The three biggest levers

• Setup time → working time: Telehandlers are ready for use almost immediately; crane setup and dismantling often takes several hours. The result: faster project start, less downtime.
• Pick Carry 360° (Roto): Lift, move, and set down from one position; Roto models reach multiple work areas without repositioning.
• Rental TCO: Daily rental rates for telehandlers are generally significantly lower than comparable crane services; in addition, one device replaces several machines.

Where the crane is still superior

Extreme heights (40–50 m) and very heavy loads (16 t standard telehandler) remain the domain of cranes. For serial lifting at high heights, special boom angles, or complex lifting plans, the crane is the safe and predictable choice.

Efficiency Time savings in use

The most noticeable effect is the reduction of non-productive time : arrival, assembly/disassembly, transfer, and maneuvering. Telehandlers practically start "out of the truck."

Typical time savings from practice

Note: Time savings vary per project; they primarily result from the elimination of crane setup times and reduced relocation processes.

Cost comparison: crane vs. telehandler

Daily rents (guideline)

Price range from current rental portal guides (D 2024/25).

Why TCO often speaks in favor of telehandlers

• Elimination of setup time costs (no paid downtime)
• All-in-use : one device replaces forklift + crane + possibly work platform
• Fewer personnel changes (one operator, one machine)

Example break-even (simplified scenario)

Assembly package 3 days, 8 hours each: Crane €1,200/day + 2 hours setup time/day vs. Roto €950/day without setup time. Even with a similar daily rate, setup time and additional trips tip the scale in favor of the telehandler. (Guidelines based on the above framework prices.)

Manufacturer comparison of telehandlers

Technology: Load capacity, lifting height, reach

Performance data of modern telehandlers

Typical ranges: load capacity 3–16 t , lifting height 6–24 m (Roto also higher), boom reaches dependent on the project. Manufacturers such as Merlo and Manitou exhibit Roto models with a lifting height of 20 m, with some up to approximately 35 m.

Manufacturer/model examples: Merlo Roto 20 m, Manitou MRT 2660 (~26 m/6 t).

Rotor vs. rigid: When to use which concept?

Condensed landlord information based on current specialist articles.

Attachments Multimode use

Typical attachments

• Pallet fork, load hook/ cable winch (crane mode), work basket (elevating work platform)
• Bucket, big bag traverse, concrete mixing bucket, special grapple (industry)

Important: DGUV test regulations (DGUV V54/55) must be observed for add-on winches.

Work basket on a telehandler – what should you consider?

Use as a mobile elevating work platform = additional hazards. Requires additional Level 2b qualification for operators (in addition to telehandler training ). Content is based on DGUV 308-009 and 308-008.

Security, Legal Qualification

Operator qualification

• Telehandler driving license according to DGUV principles (including level 2b for basket operation).
• Instruction on accident prevention (UVV) testing (annually) according to BetrSichV/TRBS/manufacturer specifications; mobile elevating work platform operation according to DGUV Info 208-019.

Road traffic / registration / insurance (Germany)

Compiled from specialist articles on SAM/licensing/insurance.

Transport Logistics

Delivery and installation

• Transport: usually by low-loader; no additional ballast/counterweight transport required as with a crane.
• On-site: brief support and functional checks; then immediate readiness for work.
• Access roads: Clarify load-bearing capacity, ramp angles, curve radii and narrow passages (gates/doors) in advance.

Operation on/over public land

When driving on public roads or farm tracks, the registration and insurance status must be checked and, if the vehicle is over-wide or heavily loaded, an exemption permit may need to be agreed upon with the rental company.

Industry Use Cases

Construction expansion

Facades, roofs, steel and timber construction, PV installation. Advantage: quick transition between lifting, lowering, and work basket.

Industrial Intralogistics

Machine relocations, hall conversions, and overhead line installation (work basket). Advantages: no crane setup time, minimal disruption.

Event/Trade Fair Municipalities

Trusses/lighting, banner installation, Christmas lighting; flexible daily/weekly rental, small footprint.

Landscaping and landscaping agriculture

Bales/bulk material, yard work, tree care with work basket; high utilization thanks to versatile attachments.

Selection of dimensions

Key questions before renting

• Maximum load radius? → Check the model's load diagram .
• Required lifting height working area ( rotary vs. rigid)?
• Subsurface support areas (slabs, barriers)?
• Access (gate width, curves, ramps) Environment (inside/outside, emissions/noise)?
• Attachments (winch, work basket, shovel…) qualification (level 2b for basket operation)?

Quick match telehandler vs. crane

Procurement: Renting, long-term rental, buying

Decision based on days of use

• 120–150 usage days/year: Rental/project rental is usually more economical (flexibility/model change).
• 120–150 usage days/year: Consider purchasing or leasing (utilization ensures amortization).

Typical rental prices availability

Roto crane range ~€139–1,452/day; crane ~€220–€3,000/day (depending on class/region). For specific projects, calculate regional availability and travel costs.

Conclusion

Telehandlers are the fastest way to safely transport materials and people to heights and work precisely there – without the setup and downtime of traditional cranes. Anyone who regularly has short to medium-sized assembly jobs, tight spaces, or changing locations can save time, money, and stress with telehandlers – and also increase capacity utilization because one device performs multiple tasks.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.