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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

Lamma 2026: Kubota brings big SVL 75-3 skid-steer to the UK

National plans to increase solar capacity was a major motivator behind Kubota’s decision to bring its SVL 75-3 skid-steer handler to the UK. Its 1.7m width allows contractors to slink…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2026: Compact JCB 526-60 gets swankier cab

JCB has lavished its compact Loadall telehandlers with some attention, fitting higher-spec cabs, improved brakes and twin-line trailer braking. The 526-60 is the smaller of the two models, benefiting from…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2026: Stronger boom for Stoll TracLift loader

Farmers torn between Stoll’s budget Solid front loader and top-spec ProfiLine FZ need agonise no more, following the introduction of three mid-range TracLift models. Smallest of the trio is the…

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…

Telehandler reviews and tests

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First Drive: JCB Loadall 541-70

JCB's latest Loadall promises impressive performance and frugal fuel use. James Andrews tried it out. Intro Engine Transmission Cab/controls Verdict Specs Pivot-steer Late last year JCB gave its telehandlers greener…

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…

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

Driver's View: Chris Brettell's Merlo TF42.7 CS

The TF42.7 is the flagship in Merlo’s mid-sized telehandler range and comes in a handful of configurations to suit different applications. Most variants are fitted with the same two-speed hydrostatic…

TELEHANDLERS

New developments to telehandlers offer improved efficiency

Telehandlers are one of the hardest-worked machines on arable farms and a host of new developments promise to streamline operations such as handling bags of fertiliser and seed. With their latest…

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…

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

On test: JCB's debut battery-electric Loadall - the 525-60E

JCB has boarded the battery-electric bandwagon, with the first production models of its 525-60E telehandler now whizzing around inner-city building sites, industrial warehouses and posh equine units. But while those…

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

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…

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…

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…

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Maids of all work

For sheer versatility the farm tele-handler is hard to beat. Interest in acquiring these day-to-day workhorses that can multi-task has steadily increased and the market is awash with options to…

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

The ultimate guide to buying a telehandler in 2018

The Farmers Weekly ultimate guide to telescopic farm handling and loading machines has been published online for 2018, with many changes from last year’s edition. The guide provides a quick-reference summary…

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

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

Tips for buying a used Matbro telehandler

JCB might be top dog in the telehandler world these days, but in the 1990s it couldn’t get a look in. Back then rival UK firm Matbro was king, and…

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…

TECHNOLOGY

New JCB and Manitou telehandlers headline Eurotier show

Europe’s leading livestock event returned to Hannover, Germany, last month after a four-year hiatus. Here, we pick out the best bits. 530-60 Agri Super joins JCB Loadall range See also: Ultimate…

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…

TELEHANDLERS

Tech start-up ManuRob debuts autonomous handler

In the pipeline for a little over three years, tech start-up ManuRob unveiled its Loadix autonomous handler for the first time after recently beginning farm trials.   Able to move…

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…

TELEHANDLERS

Dieci adds big, 153hp T80 to pivot-steer telehandler range

Dieci’s bend-in-the-middle Agri Pivot range has been bolstered with the introduction of a new flagship model, the T80. Power is the headline improvement, with the switch to a 4.5-litre FPT…

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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…

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…

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 – 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…