Expanded ranges and a focus on operator well-being through new cabs and control layouts characterise the Farmers Weekly Ultimate Guide to telescopic handlers for 2019.

For example, despite losing the diminutive 0.65t mini telescopic loaders, the Avant range has grown with new 1.8t lift machines and a new flagship in the form of the Avant 860i.

This comes with a 2.7t lift capacity and 3.5m lift height – the manufacturer’s highest figures in both respects.

The Case IH Farmlift 633 and 636 – now with 100kg extra lift capacity over their predecessors at 3.3t and 3.6t, and the 7m lift Farmlift 737 with 200kg more at 3.7t – can be had with a new six-speed powershift transmission.

Case IH Farmlift 636

This is designed to deliver improved performance in high tractive effort situations such as climbing a silage clamp, repeat cycle loading and travelling up slopes.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2019

Bobcat, Dieci, JCB and Cat

Bobcat TL43.80HF

The Bobcat range has been rationalised to focus mainly on enhanced specification Agri versions with 100hp and 130hp engines, albeit with a couple of 75hp machines as compact entry-level options.

There’s also a 4.3t lift newcomer at the top end of the range sporting a boom with 7.5m of lift height and the 190-litre/min hydraulic system shared with the 3.8t/7m TL38.7HF-130 Agri.

Finning is trimming back the spec variations previously available with the Caterpillar machines as it eases out of the telehandler market in the UK.

This is in contrast to Claas with its Trend versions of the Scorpion handlers, which offer a simpler spec package for operators who feel they don’t need all the Varipower features.

Dieci’s range is being thoroughly revamped with the introduction of new Agri Plus, Agri Star and Agri Max handlers, featuring upgrades and a new cab.

Operator accommodation is also the focus of JCB’s latest Loadall handlers, where the new Command Plus cab is designed with more space, increased storage, lower noise levels and improved driving position and controls.

The Loadall 538-60, 532-70, 542-70 and 536-95 currently available with the new cab have a little more lift capacity, while the 560-80 continues unchanged in that respect.

Kramer, Manitou and Massey Ferguson

Kramer has dropped the KT804 and KT1245 mini telescopic handlers, and also the 2.2t/5.15m KT2205, to focus on the full-size machines where the 4t/7m and 4.2t/8.75m models are newcomers to the listing.

Manitou has added the 1.6t/4.9m MLA-T 516-75H centre cab, articulated telescopic loader to join the larger 3.3t/5.2m machine. Among its the offset cab handlers, a new version of the 6t/9m heavy-lifting model comes with higher flow hydraulics along with other upgrades.

MF TH8043

Massey Ferguson’s TH.8043 newcomer has the same relatively compact 2.87m wheelbase of the 7m, 3.8t lift model but outguns it with a maximum lift capacity of 4.3t to 7.50m.

A rear counter-weight with an extra 425kg of mass and a larger hydraulic cylinder enable the machine to lift more with its 50cm-longer boom. It also features a new concealed Z-bar linkage for the implement carriage.

Merlo, New Holland, Schäffer and Tobroco

In the Merlo camp, there are new TurboFarmer (TF) and MultiFarmer (MF) models, while a revamped range of New Holland telescopic handlers feature new four- and six-speed powershift transmissions and cab improvements in addition to the new yellow and black colour scheme.

Norcar’s articulated tele-loader range is dropped from the listing as the distributor is now focused on markets other than agriculture, while the sale of Pichon’s machines to a non-agricultural manufacturer has also taken them off the scene.

In contrast, upgraded 2.4t capacity articulated tele-loaders have joined the Schäffer range with slightly increased lift height at 4.3m and 4.74m, while Tobroco has added the 2.6t/4.3m Giant G4500 to its range with an unusual choice of 80-litre, twin 52-litre and 117-litre/min gear pump hydraulics.