Telehandlers are without doubt one of the most adaptable and useful bits of kit on farm; able to lift, load, stack, scrape, haul and fit into surprising spaces. CPM looks at the latest launches of these magic machines.
These new models now introduce the most exciting developments in 10 years of MF TH production.
By Melanie Jenkins
If a job needs doing on the farm and there’s a telehandler available, chances are it’s first choice for the task. On busy yards these machines could well be working harder and logging more hours than any other machine, meaning its essential they’re hard wearing, versatile and up to a multitude of operations.
Manufacturers are constantly looking to improve the capabilities of telehandlers, so the past year has seen a raft of new releases and improvements to help farmers and operators get the job done. Here’s a look at the latest machines to hit the market.
Merlo
Merlo has joined the electric revolution and launched its new EWorker compact telehandler for the agricultural market, which is available in two different sizes.
The new machine is part of Merlo’s ‘Generation Zero’, this means there’s no fuel consumption, noise or vibration, and no emissions.
The EWorker was built from the ground-up, specifically as an electric vehicle and so isn’t a reworked diesel model.
The first of the two agricultural models is the 2WD, 60hp (44kw) 25.5 - 60 and the second is the 4WD, 90hp (66kw) 25.5 – 90. Both have a 2.5t max lift capacity, to a lift height of 4.8m.
The 2WD version has a fixed front axle and is steered from the rear axle to give it maneuverability. Two electric motors are mounted to the front of the machine and the rear axle has up to 80˚ turn on the hub. There’s also an axle on the rear which oscillates 7˚ to help with rough terrain capabilities.
The 4WD drive version is slightly different, using a Merlo patented design it has a vertically mounted third motor on the rear axle.
Practically, this means that the 2WD version will turn on its front wheel, with 2.5m turning radius whereas the 4WD has a slightly larger turning radius of 3.2m.
A 48-volt lead acid battery is used to power the machine, with a 960amp capacity. The battery pack consists of 24 replaceable cells and weighs 1.5t. The chassis has been designed around the battery pack which gives the machine a low centre of gravity and acts as a counterweight, which gives it its lift capacity. According to the company, this also permits for a larger battery pack and should optimise the running time of the machine, allowing it to do up to eight hours of continuous work.
For those familiar with Merlo telehandlers, the EWorker has the same interface and controls inside the cab as its diesel counterparts.
Merlo sees the new electric machines as an addition rather than a replacement for its diesel telehandlers.
Bobcat
Visitors to LAMMA will have been among some of the first in the UK to see Bobcat’s new R-Series telehandler range.
The range consists of seven new models; three compact and four large, with lift heights ranging from 6-8m, lift capacities from 2.6-4.3t and all with Stage V engines.
A number of operating functions have been included in the R-Series to help with productivity. This includes Job Manager, where users can adjust and save settings for multiple attachments and jobs. There are two drive modes, a flex drive control to separately managed engine rpm and drive speed, and automated boom functions.
The R-Series interior has been updated with a new finish, Grammar Maximo Dynamic air suspension heated seat, a suspended armrest with joystick and a new LCD colour display and a larger 18cm touch screen.
The top of the range model, the TL43.80HF has a maximum lift capacity of 4.3t to a height of 7.5m, with a top forward reach of 4m on standard 61cm tyres.
Kramer
At the end of 2021, Kramer, added two new models to its Kramer-Werke GmbH range of telehandlers.
The new KT144 is a compact model with a height of less than 2m and a width of around 1.6m. With an operating weight of approximately 3t, it’s the smallest model in Kramer’s telehandler portfolio. The pallet fork has a stacking payload of 1.45t and a lift height of around 4.5m.
Kramer’s quick hitch system with mechanical locking is fitted as standard to this vehicle. Hydraulic locking is also available as an option, as are various common quick hitch systems, including the Euro quick hitch.
Additionally, the machine is available with two engines. The basic version has a 25hp (19kw) Yanmar engine but can be upgraded with a 45hp (33kw) option.
The KT144 also comes with an electronic parking brake with hill-hold function as standard, which means that as soon as the machine stops, the parking brake is engaged automatically. A touch of the drive pedal automatically disengages the brake.
Alongside the all-wheel steering, both front wheel and crab steering are optionally available. If necessary, the machine can be fitted with low-speed control and hand throttle, as well as up to four different operating modes.
The second new model is the KT3610 all-rounder with a 9.5m stacking height. Without a bucket the machine is 5.03m in length, 2.28m wide and on 61cm tyres is 2.31m in height. Weighing 8.2t (depending on options), the model has a maximum payload of 3.6t.
The KT3610 is fitted with familiar Kramar features including, Smart Handling, intelligent overload protection, automatic bucket return and the telematics solutions – EquipCare.
Fendt AGCO
The new compact Cargo T740 telehandler from Fendt offers a lift height of 7.7m, a lifting capacity of 4t and a 4.15m turning radius.
A key feature of the machine is that it has Fendt’s TopViewCab capability, meaning the cab can be raised to an eye level of 4.1m to allow operators a higher viewing platform when undertaking certain tasks.
The hydraulics have a flow capacity of 170 l/min to allow for sensitive control of all hydraulic functions, including the lifting arm and cab.
The machine has a four-cylinder Cummins engine, producing 136hp which is able to achieve speeds of 20km/h as standard, but can be optionally adjusted to reach 30km/h and 40km/h.
Massey Ferguson AGCO
Massey Ferguson has introduced its new MF TH Series, which boasts a completely new cab and further changes to enhance comfort, operation and productivity.
The MF TH Series consists of six models, starting with the semi-compact MF TH 6030 and goes up to the latest MF TH 8043, which provides a maximum lift capacity of 4.3t and height of 7.5m and can be equipped with a 3500-litre capacity bucket.
“These new models now introduce the most exciting developments in 10 years’ of MF TH production,” says Thierry Lhotte of Massey Ferguson.
As well as a new seat, there’s also a new joystick for control of the hydraulics and transmission, while a new colour display provides a range of operating information.
Additional automation for the boom suspension, parking brake, boom height setting and third hydraulic function controls further ease operation.
All models are powered by four-cylinder, Stage V engines, with power increasing to 135hp on the MF TH 6534, MF TH 7038 and MF TH 8043, while remaining at 100hp for the other models.
The two smallest models measure 2.1m wide and 2.1m high for working in confined spaces. Both of these semi-compact models and the larger MF TH 7035 have a 100litre/min hydraulic flow which provides a 3t lift capacity. The MF TH 6030 can take loads to 6m, and the MF TH 7030 can lift up to 7m. The larger MF TH 7035 has a 3.5t lift capacity up to 7m.
All MF TH telehandlers now come with left-hand MF Power Control lever as standard. Sitting just under the steering wheel, it has three fingertip-operation functions: shuttle forwards and backwards, shift hydrostatic speed ranges up and down and select neutral. This leaves the right hand free to control loading operations, while a flick of a finger on the left hand controls the transmission.
A new standard, 12.5cm colour terminal clearly displays operating information and can be used to select the steering modes, which include a new semi-crab setting.
Claas
Claas has introduced the new Torion 530, a 46hp entry-level model to its range of compact articulated wheel loaders. In addition, the Torion 535 and Torion 639 models have also received more engine power.
The Torion 530 has a Yanmar four-cylinder engine with a 2.2-litre displacement. The hydraulic system delivers 61 l/min at 230 bar and enables an articulated tipping load of 3t. The parallel-guided Z-kinematics of the conical mast allows for a bucket pivot point of 3.18m to be dumped over heights of up to 2.82m and maximum reach of 1.46m. The mast and attachment are using a joystick. Alternatively, the two additional control circuits can be controlled using an additional lever or at the push of a button.
On the larger Torion 535 and Torion 639 models, power from the 2.1-litre Yanmar four-cylinder engine has been increased to 74hp. Both are optionally available with either standard or High-Lift Z-kinematics. In the standard version, overreach heights of 2.82m (Torion 535) or 2.98m (Torion 639) can be achieved, while the High-Lift version can reach 2.97m to 3.18m.
Manitou
Manitou has also introduced two compact models to its range of telehandlers. The ULM 412 H and the ULM 415 H are ultra-compact, at less than 1.5m wide and 1.92m high.
Weighing 3.5t and equipped with a 35hp engine, the machines can lift loads of 1.25t or 1.5t, respectively, up to a height of 4.3m. Both models are 4WD with an oscillating rear axle.
The roof grille has been removed and replaced by a transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate window to enhance safety.
Both machines can be equipped with 20 accessories including, a floating fork carriage, an all-purpose bucket and a bale clamp.
Doosan
Doosan has added a new five model range of 3.5t to 5t compact wheel loaders. Comprising the DL60-7, DL65-7, DL80-7, DL85-7 and DL80TL-7 models, the new Doosan compact wheel loaders cover a wide range of applications, including agriculture.
Like the heavier telehandlers produced by Doosan, the new compact wheel loaders have Stage V engines, hydrostatic 4WD, 100% differential lock on both axles and high lift capacity.
The DL60-7 and DL65-7 are driven by a Stage V engine providing 66hp (48.5kw) of power at 1600rpm. The Stage V engine in the DL80-7, DL85-7 and DL80TL-7 provides 75hp (55kw) of power at 1500rpm. The DL60-7 is the lightest model in the range, with an operating weight of 3.75t, and the DL80TL-7 is the heaviest, weighing 5.2t.
The brake pedal provides an inching function: with no pressure on the brake pedal, full power is available for the drive system. Light pressure on the brake pedal reduces travel speed, with more engine power for the working hydraulics. When full pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the machine stands still and full engine power is available for the working hydraulics.
An optional tandem pump, a double-acting spool valve in the rear and up to three double-acting spool valves on the lift arm mean that hydraulic power should always be available to the operator.
The loaders can be equipped with three types of kinematics to suit operator preference, depending on model; a Z-bar, a pull-bar and a telescopic arm.
Dieci
The new award-winning Adaptive Load Sensing (ALS) from Dieci and Walvoil, aims to minimise energy waste in the hydraulic system of telehandlers. According to tests carried out by the company on its Agri Plus telehandler, it’s able to decrease energy loss by 28% during boom operations and up to 45% during vehicle manoeuvres.
ALS is made of a directional control valve, an electronic joystick, and an electronic control unit, with customisable modular software developed by Walvoil. The control unit collects information from the operations on the controls and from the machine sensors, and acts on the load sensing device, adapting the hydraulic pressure differential to the maximum efficiency value required by the vehicle.
The differential pressure value can also be selected by means of two push buttons on the joystick, the precision function, which increases the movement controllability and precision, and the boost function, which increases the pressure value for a higher movement speed without need to install pumps with higher flow rates.
JCB
Also new to the market is the 542-70 Agri Pro Loadall. Powered by a JCB 4.8-litre DieselMAX engine developing 173hp (129kW) and 690Nm of torque, the machine has a JCB DualTech VT half hydrostatic, half direct mechanical drive 50kph transmission.
