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Know How / Telehandlers

Often the most-used machine on the farms – especially with pigs, sheep, beef or dairy cattle – so we cover new machines, first drives, user views and group tests of telescopic handlers (or telehandlers) for efficient materials handling, cleaning stock buildings, loading bales and shifting grain.

Latest telehandler articles

TELEHANDLERS

Agritechnica 2025: Hybrid drive for prototype NH telehandler

Wacky styling isn’t the only novelty to be found on New Holland’s latest prototype 7m/4.2t telehandler. Rather than a traditional diesel engine, the TH Hybrid Power harnesses both electricity and…

TELEHANDLERS

Agritechnica 2025: More lift capacity for JCB’s 7m Loadalls

A brace of 7m machines has been added to JCB’s telehandler line-up, offering up to 24% more lift capacity than the current 542-70. The 546-70 is the lesser of the…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Merlo TF30.7 - small frame, pokey hydraulics

A surge of farmers pining for more lifting and loading capacity without compromising on size has spawned a slew of pint-sized telehandlers. Merlo’s TF30.7 is one of the latest to…

TELEHANDLERS

Sunward debuts 25hp ultra-compact wheeled loader

An ultra-compact wheeled loader with agricultural work potential has been added to the light construction equipment range produced by Chinese manufacturer Sunward. The SL12W is powered by a 25hp Kubota…

TELEHANDLERS

New Holland unveils Forage Power version of W170D+ loader

New Holland has bolstered its range of loading shovels with two new Italian-built models – one of which it hopes will challenge JCB’s popular 435S. The Forage Power derivative of…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Neomach's versatile Nova X40 pivot-steer loader

Farms are perennially craving more power and capacity, but for those still mucking out pokey old sheds built in the pitchfork era, size matters. Miniature pivot-steers, with their typical 3m…

Telehandler reviews and tests

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MACHINERY

Video: Telehandler test: Manitou MLT 625-75H

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video Though the smallest loader in the test, the MLT 625-75H achieved very respectable lift results. Manitou uses a 90 litres/min Bosch Rexroth pump…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: Merlo TF 42.7 CS 140

The TF42.7 is one of the most popular models in Merlo’s extensive Turbofarmer range, which goes up to the TF45.11 with 10.5m reach and 4.5t lift. Previous versions came with…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Massey Ferguson TH 7038

In an extension of our telehandler test in the 4t lift and 7m reach category, we have taken a look at the best-selling rigid-frame machines from Kramer, Claas, Cat and Bobcat.…

TELEHANDLERS

Lightweight JCB 403 proves a hit for Pembrokeshire farm

Harold, David and Berwyn Warlow run a brace of compact JCB 403 wheel loaders on their 300-cow dairy farm and beef unit near Narberth, Pembrokeshire. Duties for the pint-sized machines…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: Dieci Agri Plus 40.7 VS Evo2

Dieci offers a massive range of agricultural telehandlers covering almost every combination of lift capacity and reach you can think of. At the bottom end there’s the diminutive Agrovector 25.5,…

TELEHANDLERS

Video: On test – JCB 541-70 v Dieci 40.7 telehandlers

Earlier this year, JCB launched a new hybrid transmission that promised to bridge the gap between the structured steps of a torque convertor gearbox and the seamless ratios offered by…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: Manitou MLT 741-140 V+ Elite

Manitou had a big shake-up of its telehandler ranges last year, adding a new cab and a handful of different transmission options. There’s a four-speed Powershuttle torque converter set-up, six-speed…

MACHINERY

Telehandler test: JCB

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video JCB fits the 572-58 with a Walterscheid pump sporting a maximum 122litres/min of oil throughput. Its 2.7t lift at our special measuring point…

TELEHANDLERS

Driver's View: Harry Whiteman's Claas Scorpion 741 Gen 2

As the name suggests, the Scorpion 741 Generation 2 is the second iteration of Claas’ Liebherr-built 7m/4t telehandler. The standout upgrade from the original is a power hike from 136hp…

MACHINERY

Telehandler tyres get more versatile

Cross-ply tyres may have long been ditched on all but the most utilitarian tractor models, there is still an argument for employing them on a telehandler. “Our standard fitment across…

Driver's view: Manitou MLT 731 telehandler

Considering buying a used sub-£30,000 telehandler? James Andrews visits a seasoned punter to see if Manitou should make your shortlist. If you are shopping around for a used, mid-sized telehandler…

TELEHANDLERS

Video: On test – Kramer's KT357 telehandler

Since Claas introduced its Kramer-built telehandlers in 2005, the Scorpion range has established itself as a genuine contender to the might of JCB and Manitou. However, back in 2015 both…

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TELEHANDLERS

New-look Claas Scorpion telehandlers set for revamped cab

A refreshed line-up of “small platform” Claas Scorpion telescopic handlers is on its way, featuring a new powertrain for selected models, more automated control features and added comfort and convenience…

What to look for when buying a used telehandler

Whether a livestock farm, an arable unit or a contracting business, a materials handler of some kind is the core of many farming fleets, and for most the telescopic handler…

TELEHANDLERS

Exvo enters skid-steer market with battery-electric handler

Farmers who like the nippiness of a skid-steer loader and the near-silence of electric drive can enjoy those characteristics in the same machine thanks to Exvo Electric, a new Irish…

TELEHANDLERS

Bobcat cuts fuel use on new S630 and S650 skid-steers

Upgrades to make the four-cylinder engine in Bobcat’s S630 and S650 skid-steer loaders cleaner and greener have yielded improved fuel consumption. A particulate filter is part of the Stage 5…

TELEHANDLERS

Bobcat upgrades cab for new R-series telehandlers

Bobcat has tarted up its telehandler range, as it bids to double production by 2025. The new seven-model R-series includes three relatively compact models – the TL26.60 (the only one…

TELEHANDLERS

Compact 130hp 530-60 Agri Super joins JCB Loadall range

JCB’s vast Loadall range has grown again, this time with the addition of the new 530-60 Agri Super.  It offers a 3t lift capacity and 6m reach, but with relatively compact…

Cereals 2009: New kit preview

The Cereals Event always provides a launching pad for new arable equipment to tackle cultivations, drilling, harvesting and post-harvest management and offers a chance for many growers to see in…

TELEHANDLERS

Driver's View: John Cartledge's Kramer KT407 Ecospeed

Kramer’s handler range came to prominence following the conclusion of its manufacturing agreement with Claas in 2017, and its subsequent integration with John Deere’s dealer network. A year later, it…

MACHINERY

2017 tractor and telehandler prices updated

Farmers Weekly has updated its buyer’s guides for tractors and telehandlers in the UK. The guides have been refreshed on the back of some cheering statistics from the Agricultural Engineers Association…

LAMMA

Lamma 2019: Tractors and telehandlers steal the show

This year marked the first of the Lamma show's new era at Birmingham's indoor National Exhibition Centre.  The event is showcasing not just large machinery manufacturers, but also smaller agricultural…

TELEHANDLERS

Video: On test – JCB 541-70 v Dieci 40.7 telehandlers

Earlier this year, JCB launched a new hybrid transmission that promised to bridge the gap between the structured steps of a torque convertor gearbox and the seamless ratios offered by…

TELEHANDLERS

Nokian develops hybrid lug for Ground King loader tyres

Nokian has drawn on its experience developing the Ground King dual-purpose tyre for tractors in creating a new version for compact wheeled loaders working on both hard and soft surfaces.…

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MACHINERY

Video: Pint-sized telehandler from New Holland

The LM5020 is a neat machine with impressive lift and reach, but low transport speeds mean it's best suited to yard-based duties. For those wanting to travel further or tow,…

MACHINERY

Telehandler test: Merlo

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video Delve into the innards of the Merlo P 32.6 Top and you’ll find a Sauer Danfoss load-sensing pump delivering 108 litres/min. At our…

MACHINERY

Video: Loader test: Schaeffer v Weidemann

Power Farming Verdict Two well-built and closely matched rivals. If shed space is a tad tight then the Weidemann is the obvious choice. If you value your cab space then…

MACHINERY

Telehandler test: Deici Agrifarmer

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video Italian loader specialist Dieci produces around 1,800 machines per year and its Agri Farmer 26.6 model uses a 110 litres/min Bosch Rexroth pump.…