As the second largest telehandler in JCB’s extensive agricultural range, the Loadall 542-70 is geared up for handling large grain buckets, bale grabs and bag lifters.

Four versions are available – Agri, Agri Super, Agri Xtra and Agri Pro – each of which have different power outputs, transmission options and levels of standard kit.

See also: Revamped JCBs in demand as prices for new machinery rise

The Agri Xtra struck the best balance of features and price for John Walker, who runs a 310ha arable and beef operation near Burford, Oxfordshire, plus 500ha of contract farming.

Since rolling into his yard in 2022 the machine has clocked 680 hours, primarily handling grain, shifting big bales and loading both seed and fertiliser.

John Walker © James Andrews

Why a JCB Loadall 542-70 Agri Xtra?

We needed a second higher-capacity telehandler to run alongside our 2017 Manitou MLT 630 and I was keen to try a different brand.

The Manitou had been, and still is, a good machine, but I never really got on with the strange joystick – I actually find it hurts my hand after a while.

Of all the other 4t/7m other, I liked the look of the Loadall 542-70 best. It’s a useful size, the controls are simple and visibility is good all round.

I also considered a Kramer, but I thought it was a bit clumsy in comparison.

What extras did you opt for?

I wanted a reasonably high spec, but couldn’t quite stretch to the Agri Pro with its 173hp and 50kph transmission.

So, I settled on the next one down – the Agri Xtra with six-speed Autoshift transmission.

Power output is 150hp, which is plenty for us, and it had most of the features I wanted such as LED work lights, air conditioning, and a pick-up hitch.

It also came with one spool valve as standard, which runs off the hitch circuit when you turn a diverter valve.

But I had an extra one fitted so that we could both tip trailers and open hydraulic tailgates.

© James Andrews

How has it performed?

It’s lovely to drive – the lift capacity is impressive and we rarely get the hydraulics to lock out, even when there are four bags of seed pushed out to full reach filling the drill.

It also plays with our 4cu m Eastern Attachments grain bucket, which holds 2.75t of wheat, as well as our various big bale grabs.

The six-speed powershift transmission is ideal for road work and towing trailers, but having recently tried a DualTech hybrid version, I’d go for that next time.

The hydrostatic element is great around the yard, particularly as you can set the engine revs for fast hydraulic flow and then control your speed with the foot pedal.

But you’ve still got the mechanical drive for pulling a trailer on the road.

Less good is the quality of the paint finish, which started to flake off around the cab and boom soon after we got it.

Our dealer Oliver Landpower was very helpful and JCB eventually stepped up and sorted it out.

We were also given a demonstrator machine while it was away, which is why our own hasn’t done that many hours.

Other features that aren’t quite a match for the Manitou are the cab access and the fact that there’s no toolbox, other than a tiny space under the seat.

I’d also like the armrest to be adjustable, as it isn’t really in the right position for me, and I find it annoying that you have to use a key to open the AdBlue filler cap.