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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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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 –…

Farmer tested: Five telehandlers on trial

Earlier this year a Dorset dairy farmer in the market for a new loader undertook a thorough evaluation of five telehandlers before settling on a surprising choice. Nick Fone got…

TELEHANDLERS

First impressions: Powershift cut for JCB's TM280S telehandler

Short of a pivot-steer telehandler to sit between its compact TM220 and heavier-duty TM320 Telemaster, JCB decided to build one. Well, two, actually. The fruits of this endeavour are the…

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

MF 9305 Xtra telehandler test - pulling power meets comfort

In the corporate world of farm machinery, there’s an expression that gets bandied about on a regular basis – “a full-line offering”. While this may sound like standard corporate guff,…

First Drive: Caterpillar TH336C handler

Power Farming Verdict The TH336C seems to be a good machine. Its power is impressive - even with the standard 124hp motor - and the transmission manages to put it…

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…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Kramer KT407

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…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Stacks of power in diddy JCB 530-60

JCB’s engineers have successfully completed telehandler themed Tetris by cramming almost all the components from the largest Loadalls into a package condensed in all dimensions. That makes the diminutive 530-60…

GRASSLAND AND MAIZE EQUIPMENT

Driver's view: Norfolk contractors' Claas Torion 1812 shovel

We get the lowdown on the Claas Torion 1812 loading shovel run by Norfolk contracting outfit Spring Farm Partnership. A pair of long-in-the-tooth loading shovels – a Volvo L110 and…

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: Steve Miller's Manitou MLT 741-130 PS+

There’s no shortage of choice as far as Manitou’s telehandler range is concerned, with most shapes, sizes and specs accounted for in a line-up that runs from 35hp and 1.25t/4.3m…

Telehandler buying advice

Telehandler guides

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TELEHANDLERS

Ultimate guide to buying a telehandler 2021

The appearance of an electrically powered, full-size telescopic handler for the first time is one of the highlights of the 2021 Ultimate Guide to telehandlers. JCB’s 6m, 2.5t-lift Loadall 525-60E…

TELEHANDLERS

Farmers Weekly's complete guide to battery-powered loaders

With performance figures to match their diesel-fuelled stablemates, the growing number of battery-electric loaders now available to farmers provides a quieter, more economical and potentially more environmentally friendly alternative, whatever…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Kramer KT407

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…

Telehandler buyers guide

The exhaust emissions rules that have brought so many changes to tractors over the past 12-18 months are now affecting telescopic handlers too. Peter Hill reports Intro Centre cab Offset…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Stacks of power in diddy JCB 530-60

JCB’s engineers have successfully completed telehandler themed Tetris by cramming almost all the components from the largest Loadalls into a package condensed in all dimensions. That makes the diminutive 530-60…

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…

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…

New products at Grassland and Muck 2008

There's nothing like a tour of the Grassland & Muck 2008 stands and working areas to get up to date with the latest in forage and waste machinery. Here Peter…

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…

Test drive telehandlers at the Farm Handling Experience

Looking to try out a new telehandler, front loader, pickup or ATV? A new hands-on driving event from Farmers Weekly will allow you to try different makes at the same…

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.…

TELEHANDLERS

New Holland adds compact TH6.26 model to telehandler range

A new compact model now props up New Holland’s 11-strong telehandler range, following the withdrawal of the dinky TH5.26. Its replacement, the TH6.26, offers an identical 2.6t lift capacity, but…

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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: 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…

MACHINERY

Video: Farmers in the driving seat at the Farm Handling event

Last week's Farm Handling Experience was the place to be for anyone looking to try out the latest telehandlers, tractors and loading shovels from some of Europe's biggest farm machinery…

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.…