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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…

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TELEHANDLERS

First impressions: JCB spends £6m on new telehandler cab

A new cab is the centrepiece of JCB’s latest-generation Loadall telehandlers and it promises to take comfort and practicality up several notches. Though the old version was perfectly functional –…

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…

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 – 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

Dairy goes electric with Avant e6 pivot-steer telehandler

After 40 years of running Bobcat skidsteer loaders on his 60-cow organic dairy farm near St Davids, Wyn Evans opted for a completely different type of materials handler. Not only…

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…

MACHINERY

Telehandler test: Deutz-Fahr Agrovector 29.6

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video Loader specialist JLG makes the Deutz-Fahr Agrovector loader. Powering the hydraulics is a Bosch Rexroth pump with a maximum flow of 102 litres/minute…

MACHINERY

Driven: JCB v Claas compact telehandlers

While the JCB beats the Claas on engine power, it suffers on hydraulic output and performance, lifts 400kg less and has a reach that extends 400mm less high. Watch the…

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…

TELEHANDLERS

Driver’s view: JD 3200 telehandler still going strong

John Deere’s brief foray into the telehandler market lasted just six years and left a lot of customers scratching their heads, wondering why it pulled the plug on such a…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: 5 mid-sized loaders battle it out

This winter’s big machinery test is all about lifting and shifting as we thrash out the winners and losers in the rigid-framed telehandler market. Although a little thinner in participants…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: JCB Teleskid v Norcar a7545 mini pivot-steer

If you’re in the market for something that's small and agile around the yard, but still has plenty of capacity to shift decent lumps of material, then you basically have…

Telehandler buying advice

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Merlo telehandler lends a hand in Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challe...

Channel 4’s ever-popular TV engineering game show - Scrapheap Challenge - will hit UK screens in 2007 for its ninth series, this time with help from a Merlo telehandler.  The programme’s format…

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…

TELEHANDLERS

Cat launches new M-series handler range

American giant Cat has launched three new handlers, designed specifically for the agricultural sector. The new M-series models feature a Cat 3.4-litre engine which develops 68hp and runs through a…

TELEHANDLERS

Ultimate guide to buying a telehandler 2024

The 2024 edition of Farmers Weekly’s Ultimate Guide to telehandlers and telescopic wheeled loaders of all shapes and sizes features a number of new and updated models – as well…

TELEHANDLERS

JCB ups Loadall power and expands transmission options

JCB has updated its series 3 Loadalls to meet the all-important Stage 5 emissions targets and, at the same time, added the Dualtech VT gearbox to more models. The firm…

TELEHANDLERS

Buyer’s guide to telehandlers and loading shovels

Take a look through the latest Farmers Weekly telescopic handlers specification and price guide and it is clear that whatever size and shape of machine you fancy, someone will be…

TELEHANDLERS

Merlo adds compact 27.6 to Turbofarmer telehandler range

Merlo’s entry-level 27.6 telehandler can now be had in ag-spec Turbofarmer guise, as an alternative to the slightly simpler “P” variant. The two compact models are largely identical but for…

Contractor charges: Our guide for 2010

This year's contractor price guide reflects lower fuel costs but higher machinery purchase costs. It was compiled by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, which used the figures sent in…

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…

TRACTORS

Updated: Tractor and telehandler buyers guide for 2017

Since publishing the Ultimate Buyers Guide in March, Manitou has supplied updated prices for its new and current model telescopic handlers. The figures are published in an updated telescopic handlers…

TELEHANDLERS

Revolutionary steering slashes turning circle

In what must be one of the first loaders in the world to be steered by two separate methods, German maker Thaler has released its 3248T-5A loader, which has both…

TELEHANDLERS

Video: Fendt's debut Cargo T955 telehandler on test

Not since the launch of JCB’s mid-engined, four-wheel steering Loadalls over 30 years ago has a telehandler defied convention quite like Fendt’s debut Cargo T955. Its hulking frame, high boom…

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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,…

TELEHANDLERS

Video: Fendt's debut Cargo T955 telehandler on test

Not since the launch of JCB’s mid-engined, four-wheel steering Loadalls over 30 years ago has a telehandler defied convention quite like Fendt’s debut Cargo T955. Its hulking frame, high boom…

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

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…