Rotating Work Platforms

Capacity: 2,200lb (1000kg)

Extendable: NO

Effective width open/close: 12' 7" (3.84m)

Effective depth: 4'8" (1.43m)

Compatible models: Roto ZM2

Capacity: 1,760lb (800kg)

Extendable: Yes

Effective width open/close: 6' 10" (2.1m) / 14'1" (4.3m)

Effective depth: 2'10" (0.85m)

Compatible models: P40.13, P40.17, P50.17, Roto

Capacity: 660lb (300kg)

Extendable: Yes

Effective width open/close: 6' 10" (2.1m) / 14'1" (4.3m)

Effective depth: 2'10" (0.85m)

Compatible models: P40.13, P40.17, P50.17, Roto

A rotating work platform turns a compatible telehandler into an elevated workspace for workers, their tools and permitted materials. Typical applications include cladding installation, soffit and fascia work, structural assembly and building maintenance. A Merlo rotating basket lets crews align the platform with the work instead of relying entirely on the machine’s parking position. Better alignment can reduce repositioning and keep more of the shift focused on installation.

Yes, when the approved Merlo-platform combination provides the height, outreach and capacity the job requires. The financial advantage is straightforward: one telehandler can handle materials with forks, then switch to an approved platform for personnel access. Depending on the work schedule, that can eliminate a separate boom-lift rental and delivery. The key is sequencing. If material handling and elevated access must happen at the same time, the job still needs two machines.

A 180-degree rotating basket can line up with a wall or work area without requiring the telehandler to be repositioned every time the working angle changes. On repetitive cladding or trim work, fewer machine moves can mean more installation time. A compatible Merlo Roto adds turret rotation to the positioning options. Basket rotation aligns the workspace; turret rotation moves the boom around the machine. Used within the approved operating envelope, those functions help crews cover more work from a suitable setup.

Yes. On a Merlo configuration equipped and approved for platform use, a removable joystick controls the permitted movements from the basket, including raising, lowering, extending and retracting the boom, and rotating the basket. Sideshift and turret rotation are available where the machine is equipped for them and the configuration permits their use. The operator can fine-tune positioning with a direct view of the work. The control can also be used in radio remote mode under the specified operating conditions.

Available nominal platform capacities are 660 lb (300 kg) for the A1766.1, 1,760 lb (800 kg) for the A1768.1 and 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) for the A1769.1. Payload includes occupants, tools and materials. Permitted occupancy depends on the model and its data plate; some configurations accommodate up to three people. The approved machine-platform load chart also applies. A basket’s nominal rating does not mean that full capacity is available at every boom position or outreach.

Yes, on the extendable A1766.1 and A1768.1 models. Usable width increases from approximately 6 ft 10 in to 14 ft 1 in, or 2.1 m to 4.3 m. The extensions can be opened from inside the basket, at ground level or at height, following the manufacturer’s instructions. That gives crews a wider working area along a building face. Extending the deck does not increase its payload rating. The A1769.1 is a fixed-width platform.

The A1766.1 and A1768.1 are offered for certain Merlo 40.13, 40.17, 50.17 and Roto configurations. The A1769.1 is intended for Roto ZM2 machines. A matching model name alone does not establish compatibility: the telehandler needs the required platform equipment, and Merlo must expressly approve the machine-platform combination. Manulift can check the exact model, serial number and job requirements to identify a suitable setup.

Working height and outreach depend on the telehandler, platform and payload. A machine’s maximum lift height with forks does not establish its operating envelope with a personnel platform. Selection must use the approved diagram for that exact combination and the outreach required at the work location. Give Manulift the target height, horizontal distance, obstacles and combined weight of workers, tools and materials. Those details determine whether a Merlo can perform the actual job, beyond simply reaching the advertised height.

On appropriately equipped Merlo machines, automatic attachment recognition identifies the attachment and adapts the load chart and operating limits to the configuration. The operator receives information that relates to the fitted platform and load position. That is a practical advantage of a manufacturer-integrated machine and attachment system. Electronic assistance still depends on correct operation: ground conditions and operating limits, including wind and loading restrictions, must be checked and respected.

Training needs to address the equipment actually being used: the telehandler, platform, controls and emergency procedures. A forklift card alone does not establish competence with that combination. Applicable requirements depend on the province and jobsite, and fall protection must also be addressed. Manulift provides free operator training and machine familiarization to its customers. Confirm what that training covers for your Merlo-platform combination and what additional instruction your work requires.