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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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First drive: Manitou MLT 960 farm telehandler

For many years telehandlers with 3-4t lift capacity had more than enough muscle for the average farm task, but huge on-floor grain stores and AD plants are demanding a new…

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…

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…

First test drive for New Holland's latest LM telehandler

New Holland might have the small tractor market sewn-up, but it seems the world of telehandlers has been a trickier nut to crack. Believe it or not, New Holland’s involvement…

MACHINERY

Telehandler test: Claas Scorpion

Hydraulics Engine Joystick Cab Maintenance Gallery Video The Claas Scorpion is made by German loader specialist Kramer and its hydraulics (which come from Bosch Rexroth) push out 155 litres/minute. Working…

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

Telehandlers on test: Claas Scorpion 741

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

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

On test: Bobcat’s revamped TL43.80HF telehandler

While JCB may continue to occupy the long-coveted throne in the competitive telehandler market, Bobcat is becoming an increasingly viable challenger thanks to a drastic interior upgrade for its new…

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…

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

Telehandler test: Bobcat TL 38.70 HF Agri

Our test machine was the biggest in Bobcat’s line-up of ag-spec TL telehandlers, offering a lift capacity of 3.8t and a 7m reach. Those looking for a more compact machine…

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TELEHANDLERS

Manitou switches to Yanmar to power MLT 841 and 1041 models

Manitou has unveiled two new long-reach telehandlers fitted with the firm’s latest cab. The MLT 841 and 1041 New Ag XL models replace the old 840 and 1040, offering a…

MACHINERY

Sima 2019: Tractors and telehandlers

New tractors and telehandlers stole the limelight at Sima, with Case, New Holland and a couple of lesser-known brands launching new models. Case Versum/New Holland T5 Sister brands Case-IH and…

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…

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

Merlo unveils new range-topping telehandler

Merlo has added a new telehandler at the top of its current ag-spec Turbo Farmer line-up that replaces the P55.9 CS. The TF65.9 model boasts some hefty lifting statistics, with…

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

Ultimate guide to buying a telehandler 2025

Anyone intending to invest in a new telescopic materials handler this year will find a wider choice of makes and models than ever. Most manufacturers and importers have responded to…

MACHINERY MAINTENANCE

20-year-old John Deere telehandler gets perfect £20k refurb

It’s boom time for noughties farm machinery, with demand surging for mechanically sound workhorses devoid of the electronic and emissions-related aggravations of their successors. While John Deere, Case IH and…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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: 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

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

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…