Telehandlers are becoming an essential arboriculture tool. From safer lifting to improved site efficiency, machines like Merlo’s range of telehandlers are helping arborists work smarter, safer, and more sustainably.
The tree-care industry has always demanded machinery that combines strength, precision, and reliability. From large-scale removals to intricate residential work, arborists face a daily challenge of balancing safety, efficiency, and minimal site disturbance. Traditionally, this has meant relying on a mix of cranes, loaders, and manual handling. But as worksites become tighter and expectations for efficiency and sustainability grow, arborists are looking for a smarter solution.
Enter the telehandler, a versatile machine becoming a gamechanger in tree care, with manufacturers such as Merlo supporting its growing use across Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond traditional
Cranes have long been a staple for arborists, but they come with high mobilisation costs, large footprints, and limited adaptability once on site. Loaders and skid steers provide lifting power but often struggle in confined spaces or when precision is required. Manual handling, while sometimes unavoidable, exposes workers to unnecessary risks.
Telehandlers bridge the gap, offering the lifting capacity of a crane, the manoeuvrability of a loader, and the precision of a material handler in one machine. For arborists, it means one investment can replace multiple pieces of equipment while expanding the scope of what can be achieved.
Safety first
Safety is at the heart of every arborist operation, and it’s also at the core of Merlo’s design philosophy. Features such as all-round visibility, load-management systems, stabilisers, and frame-levelling technology ensure operators can work with confidence, even on irregular surfaces.
The Merlo joystick controls provide fine, responsive movements, enabling operators to handle loads with millimetre precision. This is important in tree care where the handling of cut sections or equipment can make the difference between a safe operation and a costly accident.
By reducing the need for ground crew to manually manoeuvre heavy or awkward pieces, telehandlers also minimise the risk of strain and injury, creating safer worksites.
Efficiency and versatility
No two jobs are the same in arboriculture. One day might involve dismantling a large gum in a residential street while the next day may be spent clearing storm damage across a wide block. This variety demands machinery that can adapt quickly and is where telehandlers excel.
Compact Merlo models such as the TF27.6 or TF33.7 are designed for tight suburban and residential sites, offering manoeuvrability without compromising on lifting power. Meanwhile, the ROTO series provides 360° turret rotation, allowing arborists to cover a large work zone without the need to constantly reposition the machine.
With the right attachment, a single telehandler can be a bin rotator, a lifting jib, a grab handler, or work with tree-specific implements. This versatility not only speeds up workflows but also reduces the need to transport multiple machines, saving time, labour and costs.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing focus in the tree-care industry. Arborists are under increasing pressure to deliver efficient outcomes while reducing environmental impact. Telehandlers align with this shift.
By consolidating multiple functions into a single machine, telehandlers reduce overall fleet size required on site. This means lower emissions, reduced fuel consumption, and less wear on access routes or sensitive ground. Compared to larger cranes or tracked machinery, telehandlers also minimise surface disturbance, leaving sites cleaner and communities less impacted.
The future
Telehandlers are proving their value in arboriculture and are no longer confined to the construction or agricultural sectors. For businesses looking to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability, they represent a smart investment with long-term benefits.
With decades of experience and a dealer network across Australia and New Zealand, Merlo is helping arborists embrace this shift. Whether it’s compact machines for suburban sites or high-reach ROTO models for largescale projects, Merlo telehandlers are purpose-built to elevate arborist operations.
To learn how a telehandler can transform your tree-care business, talk to your local Merlo dealer today. To see the Merlo range, visit merlo.com.