Cat is better known for its plant kit than farm machinery, but it has recently given its agricultural telehandlers an overhaul. Nudged by emissions regulations, there are four new models which all get Stage 3b compliant engines.

Standard is a Cat four-pot 4.4-litre Acert engine. Pumping out 124hp it should be adequate for general farm duties, but there is a 142hp version for those looking for a bit more oomph. Both get a soot filter and oxidation catalyst to keep emissions under control, as well as a redesigned cooling pack and hydraulic-powered reverse fan.

The new engine drives through a Cat powershift transmission. Providing six forward and three reverse gears, it’ll do 40kph on the road. The redesigned electro-hydraulic joystick now controls the powershift transmission and all the other important functions.

As well as size and weight, the four models vary in their lifting capabilities. Both 336C and 337C models manage 3.3t, while 406C and 407C versions will lift 3.7t.

But it’s the lift height that really sorts the men from the boys. The 336C and 406C loaders have a 6.1m reach – dwarf-like compared with the 7.3m reach of the 337C and 407C.

C-series machines also get a Z-bar linkage and the option of boom suspension. All models get a hydraulic quick-coupler, too, so implement changes can be controlled from the cab.