Top 9 telehandlers on the market
Part forklift, part crane, part tractor, this versatile telehandler is capable of moving just about anything you’ll find on a farm just about anywhere on a farm. But which machine is right for you?
Regardless of what your farming operation specialises in, you’re going to need to move stuff, lift stuff and push stuff. A lot of stuff.
That’s where the telehandler comes in. Part forklift, part crane, part tractor, this versatile machine is capable of moving just about anything you’ll find on a farm just about anywhere on a farm, making it a vital purchase for many agricultural operators.
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But which telehandler to buy? That’s the hard part in a sector populated by a host of specialist brands and some of the biggest industrial and ag-machinery players as well, most of whom offer several different models.
So this grouping is, inevitably, just scratching the surface, but within it you’ll find machines covering a wide variety of ability, cost and from most of the big names as well.
Prices may vary from those published here depending on final specification or dealer and may not include pre-delivery, freight and assembly.
MANITOU
MLT-X 961-145 V+L
FROM $189,200 (+GST)
THIS heavy-duty performer from French heavy-equipment specialist Manitou is made for the farmer or contractor who can’t be caught short, no matter what they’ve got on their plate and where they’ve got to put it.
It packs a lift capacity of 6000kg, 9m lift height and 200L/min hydraulic capacity for a hefty range of shifting potential. Power comes from a 141hp John Deere engine with controlled fuel consumption and an automatic radiator-unclogging system for efficient running and optimum cooling.
The MLT-X 961-145 V+L backs up its hardworking fundamentals with plenty of tricks, including maximum travel-speed adjustment, mode selectors that allow the operator to set up the controls to meet their needs and an air/watertight cabin with optional pressurisation for comfort in the harshest of conditions.
MANUFACTURED: ITALY
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 6000KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 9000MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 5300MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 1100MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 4000/5000KG
(ROUGH TERRAIN/INDUSTRIAL SOLID GROUND)
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1400KG
ENGINE: 4.5-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 3A
RATED POWER: 141HP (104KW)
TRANSMISSION: CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE (CVT)
STEERING MODES: 2WS (F/R AXLES), 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 135L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 200L/MIN
LENGTH: 6100MM
HEIGHT: 2530MM
WIDTH: 2480MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 450MM
WEIGHT: 11,800KG
DETAILS: manitou-center.com.au/telehandlers
BOBCAT
TL30.60 AGRI
FROM $105,000 (+GST)
THIS new addition to the Bobcat ag-telehandler range is squarely targeted at the smaller operator but with its 3000kg lift capacity, 5.8m lift height and swift boom-cycle times, it’s not short of muscle, reach or speed. Just 2.1m wide and high, it can also squeeze into spaces a heavy-duty machine won’t.
Other features of the TL30.60 include stepless 0-40km/h driving, an inching function, unique dual-pressure boom-suspension system and patented asymmetric cab with pillarless rear window.
Like other models in Bobcat’s TL Agri range, it uses the company’s unique Power Lift technology to optimise hydraulic flows between the telescopic boom cylinders to increase lifting capacity while reducing power consumption.
MANUFACTURED: FRANCE
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 3000KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 5800MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 3100MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 5800MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 2500KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1250KG
ENGINE: 4.4-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER
TURBODIESEL, TIER 3
RATED POWER: 100HP (74.5KW)
TRANSMISSION: 2-SPEED HYDROSTATIC
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 115L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 100L/MIN
LENGTH: 4507MM
HEIGHT: 2100MM
WIDTH: 2100MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 384MM
WEIGHT: 5180KG
DETAILS: bobcatofaustralia.com.au
MERLO MF40.7CS
FROM $220,000 (+GST)
MERLO’S Multifarmer (or MF) series nudges the telehandler concept in a different direction by incorporating more tractor elements than your usual design, not the least a three-point rear linkage and mechanical PTO.
The Italian telehandler specialist calls it a ‘telescopic boom tractor’ and touts it as a solution for all farm work, not just the usual telehandler jobs but those typically performed with a tractor (towing and tillage).
The 40.7CS lands right into the most competitive segment of the ag-telehandler market with its 4000kg lift capacity and 6.7m lift height. If you need to get stuff to higher places there’s the 40.9CS, which boosts the lift height to 9m.
MANUFACTURED: ITALY
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 4000KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 6700MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 3700MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: N/A
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 4000KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1750KG
ENGINE: 4.1-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL,
TIER 4 FINAL
RATED POWER: 170HP (125KW)
TRANSMISSION: CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE (CVT)
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 150L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 150-210L/MIN
LENGTH: 5310MM
HEIGHT: 2510MM
WIDTH: 2350MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 430MM
WEIGHT: 8700KG
DETAILS: merloaustralia.com.au
DIECI MINI AGRI 25.6
FROM $81,990 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: ITALY
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 2500KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 5780MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 3250MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 5780MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 1000KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 800KG
ENGINE: 3.3-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 3
RATED POWER: 74HP (55.4KW)
TRANSMISSION: SINGLE-SPEED HYDROSTATIC
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 80L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 80L/MIN
LENGTH: 4125MM
HEIGHT: 1950MM
WIDTH: 1850MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 270MM
WEIGHT: 5100KG
DETAILS: dieciaustralia.com.au
CLAAS SCORPION 741 VARIPOWER
FROM $171,100 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: AUSTRIA
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 4100KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 6930MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 4001MM (TO BACK OF FORK TINES)
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 1290MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 2500KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1200KG
ENGINE: 3.6-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 3A
RATED POWER: 136HP (100KW)
TRANSMISSION: HYDROSTATIC – 3 RANGES
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB, MANUAL CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 150L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 160L/MIN
LENGTH: 4752MM
HEIGHT: 2465MM
WIDTH: 2330-2430MM (DEPENDING ON TYRES)
GROUND CLEARANCE: 405MM
WEIGHT: 7640KG
DETAILS: claasharvestcentre.com
NEW HOLLAND TH7.42 ELITE
FROM $165,000 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: ITALY
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 4200KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 7000MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 4050MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 850MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 2500KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1500KG
ENGINE: 4.5-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 4B
RATED POWER: 131HP (96KW)
MAXIMUM POWER: 146HP (107KW)
TRANSMISSION: 6 X 3-SPEED POWERSHIFT
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 140L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 140L/MIN
LENGTH: 6440MM
HEIGHT: 2445MM
WIDTH: 2340MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 415MM
WEIGHT: 8000KG
DETAILS: agriculture.newholland.com/apac/en-au
WACKER NEUSON TH745
FROM $169,500 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: GERMANY
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 4500KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 7017MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 3790MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 1600MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 3300KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1500KG
ENGINE: 3.6-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 4
RATED POWER: 136HP (100KW)
TRANSMISSION: 40KM/H HYDROSTATIC – 3 SPEED LEVELS
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB, FLEXIBLE CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 180L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 140L/MIN
LENGTH: 4985MM
HEIGHT: 2570MM
WIDTH: 2500MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 418MM
WEIGHT: 9000KG
DETAILS: wackerneuson.com
JCB 542-70 AGRI SUPER LOADALL
FROM $186,840 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: UNITED KINGDOM
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 4000KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 7000MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 3820MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 480MM
CAPACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 2400KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1550KG
ENGINE: 4.8-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 3
RATED POWER: 145HP (108KW)
TRANSMISSION: 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 169L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 140L/MIN
LENGTH: 4990MM
HEIGHT: 2490MM
WIDTH: 2340MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 400MM
WEIGHT: 8300KG
DETAILS: jcbcea.com.au
MASSEY FERGUSON MF TH. 7038
FROM $154,980 (+GST)
MANUFACTURED: FRANCE
MAX LIFT CAPACITY: 3800KG
LIFTING HEIGHT: 6889MM
MAX FORWARD REACH: 4002MM
REACH AT MAX HEIGHT: 1036MM
C APACITY AT MAX HEIGHT: 3500KG
CAPACITY AT MAX REACH: 1500KG
ENGINE: 4.4-LITRE FOUR-CYLINDER TURBODIESEL, TIER 3
RATED POWER: 130HP (97KW)
TRANSMISSION: 4-SPEED HYDROSTATIC
STEERING MODES: 2WS, 4WS, CRAB
FUEL CAPACITY: 138L
HYDRAULIC PUMP CAPACITY: 190L/MIN
LENGTH: 4869MM
HEIGHT: 2290MM
WIDTH: 2300MM
GROUND CLEARANCE: 346MM
WEIGHT: 7320KG (WITHOUT IMPLEMENT)
DETAILS: masseyferguson.com.au
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