Who’s Got the Best Ag Telehandler

[MikePhua]

Telehandler Definition and Ag Spec Considerations
A telehandler (telescopic handler) is a type of agricultural or construction machine combining the reach of a crane with the functionality of a forklift. It uses a telescoping boom that can extend forward and upward, rather than a fixed loader arm. Key terms:

• Lift capacity: The maximum weight a telehandler can lift, usually given at zero extension and full height.
  
• Lift height / Reach: How high or how far out the boom can extend.
  
• Ag Spec: Ag specification; meaning built for farm duty—usually better tires, better cab comfort, agricultural attachments, better visibility, often PTO or hitch options.
  

Telehandler History and Market Players

• The first telehandler designs date from around 1957 in Europe.
  
• JCB introduced its “Loadall” series in 1977.
  
• Merlo is an Italian family-run company, founded in 1911, specialized in telehandlers and exports heavily; in recent years they were producing ~7,200 units/year.
  
• Weidemann (Germany), Fendt (Germany/AGCO), New Holland, Manitou, Bobcat, Caterpillar, Genie are among manufacturers with strong presence in ag telehandler market.
  

What Users Say

• Many farmers suggest that for agricultural telehandling, brands that offer true Ag spec are preferable over generic “construction telehandlers.” Features cited as important include good engine power, proper tires for off-road/muddy ground, hitch or towing capability, stable boom behavior, good service network.
  
• Users experience that some telehandlers built for construction are less suited for farm environments because boom hydraulics, reach, and attachments are less optimized for routine farm work (silage, feed, manure, hay, etc.).
  
• Durability matters; machines used heavily during harvest seasons must be able to handle extreme loads and environment. Maintenance, fluid types, and parts availability are frequent concerns.
  

Popular Ag Telehandler Models & Specs
Here are several well-regarded Ag telehandler models and their typical specs:

• Bobcat R-Series TL30.60 AGRI:
  • Lift capacity ~ 3,000 kg
  • Lift height ~ 5.8 m
  • Engine power ~ 74 kW
  
• Bobcat TL38.70HF AGRI:
  • Lift capacity ~ 3,800 kg
  • Lift height ~ 6.9 m
  
• Manitou MLT series:
  • Range from ~ 2,000 kg to ~ 5,896 kg lift capacities
  • Reach heights from ~ 4.35 m to ~ 9.65 m depending on model
  
• New Holland TH Series:
  • Models like TH7.42 and TH9.35 offer ~ 7.0 m to ~ 9.1 m reach
  • Lift capacities in those are ~ 3,500-4,200 kg depending on configuration
  
• Caterpillar TH Series:
  • High reach (~ 42 ft / ~ 12.8 m) and capacities in various models in the 6,000-10,000 lb (~ 2,700-4,500 kg) class.
  

What Makes a Telehandler “Best” for Agriculture
Based on aggregation of user experiences and manufacturer specs, the following are major criteria:

• Lift & Reach Performance: Must match tasks like moving bales, loading feed, clearing barns, working in tight spaces. Over-extending lowers capacity and stability.
  
• Boom & Hydraulics Quality: Smooth operation, fast cycle times, reliable under load, minimal maintenance.
  
• Traction & Tires: Mud, wet ground, uneven surfaces – good tires, strong axles, perhaps 4-wheel drive or steering.
  
• Cab Comfort & Visibility: Long hours in harvest or feeding season make this important.
  
• Attachment Options: Bale forks, silage grabs, buckets, work platforms – flexibility helps.
  
• Service/Parts Network: Local dealer support, spare parts, service intervals.
  
• Durability under Ag Conditions: Dust, moisture, manure, exposure to corrosive materials. Sealed hydraulics, corrosion protection, easy maintenance.
  

Comparing Top Brands
Here’s a comparative summary of strong contenders:

• JCB: Strong reputation; many farm operators like their “Ag spec” models. Reliable, good resale value. Models range in lift height up to ~ 17.5 m in some product lines.
  
• Manitou: Offers wide model ranges, good operator comfort, reputed for solid hydraulics. Often praised in user forums when comparisons are made.
  
• Merlo: Italian specialist; reputation for innovation, perhaps higher cost, but strong performance for specific niche tasks.
  
• Bobcat: Good mid-range options; their TL series offers balanced performance for many farms (lift height, capacity, visibility).
  
• New Holland: Focuses on durability and serviceability; good capacity & reach in its TH series.
  
• Cat (Caterpillar): Strong in larger sizes; good build, but possibly over-spec’d / expensive for smaller operations unless absolutely needed.
  

Stories & Examples

• One farmer noted that a Merlo telehandler handled heavy hay bale work over 10 seasons with minimal boom issues, compared to a cheaper generic model that needed hydraulic hose replacements yearly.
  
• In a Northern UK farm, using Manitou MLT 625, the narrow cab and tight turning radius allowed the machine to maneuver inside old barns where tractors couldn’t, saving time and reducing damage to structures.
  
• A dairy operation switched from a loader-tractor combo to a Bobcat TL38.70HF; they found that adding bale forks and using the machine for both lifting and feeding reduced labour cost during harvest by ~ 20%.
  

Recommendations & Tips

• Match the capacity and reach to your heaviest regular task plus margin: e.g. if routinely lifting 1,500-2,000 lb bales at 20 ft, pick a machine rated above that at that throw.
  
• Always check lift charts: capacity drops when boom is extended; understand where full capacity lies.
  
• Prioritize attachments you will use often: bale spike vs bucket vs fork; sometimes adding a quick-connect or hydraulic hookups adds cost but improves productivity.
  
• Consider total owning cost: fuel economy, service, durability. Sometimes paying more up front for a reliable brand saves more later.
  
• Test visibility in the cab; shadowed areas (to the right of boom, behind machine) are often sources of accidents or inefficiency.
  
• Think resale: brands with strong dealer network and resale demand will retain value better.
  

Conclusion
There is no one single “best ag telehandler” for everyone. The top candidates tend to be JCB, Manitou, Merlo, Bobcat, New Holland based on lift-reach combinations, ag-specific features, durability, and support. For many farms, a mid-capacity machine (roughly 3,000-4,500 kg lift, ~6-9 m reach) with strong hydraulics, good visibility, and reliable parts will deliver the best balance of cost vs performance. Pick what suits your regular work and budget, not just what looks big on paper.