Inflated machinery prices are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to justify buying new, but there are some cheaper alternatives if you’re willing to go east.

One example is HZM’s range of telescopic pivot-steer loaders imported by North Norfolk Vehicle Solutions (NNVS) of Melton Constable.

These China-made machines promise power and spec levels to rival popular models from the likes of JCB, Schaffer and Weidemann, but come in at roughly half the price.

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Higher-spec versions are fitted with engines from respected brands such as Kubota and Cummins, with the cheapest featuring lesser-known Xinchai blocks.

To look at, they bear a striking resemblance to products from German maker Weidemann, but they are completely different beasts.

For their lower outlay, HZM buyers do have to compromise a little on finish and build quality, but the machines are simple, the engines are free of emissions-reducing kit such as EGR and AdBlue, and many of the components are from known brands.

They also come as standard with Euro 8 headstocks, a bucket and pallet forks.

All models get a year-long parts warranty and NNVS maintains a plentiful stock of spare parts to keep them going.

© James Andrews

The firm doesn’t tend to recommend them for those doing continuous heavy work, instead promoting them to livestock and mixed farms that want to muck out sheds, move bales and fill mixer wagons.

NNVS owner Ivan Kendal started importing HZM machines about seven years ago after buying a Chinese forklift for his HGV business that gave him years of trouble-free service.

Since then, demand has grown steadily, with more than 100 examples now out working on farms, smallholdings and commercial sites.

In addition to the telescopic models, HZM builds masted forklifts, excavators, skid-steers and fixed-arm wheel loaders. These range from compact models right the way though to 235hp quarry-scale machines.

Biggest model

Top dog in the telescopic pivot-steer range is the 825T, offering a 3.5m maximum lift height and 2.5t lift capacity.

In standard form this is fitted with a Xinchai four-cylinder engine developing 100hp, allied to a 30kph two-speed torque converter transmission.

HZM 825T with Cummins engine © James Andrews

However, buyers can upgrade to a four-pot Cummins of the same horsepower with a four-speed transmission that gives a top speed of 40kph.

Both models come with 85-litre/min hydraulic pumps, and all pipes are mounted externally to the boom with steel fittings so that they are easy to replace.

The cab has full roll-over protection structure (ROPS) and falling object protection system (FOPS) certification, with a simple, functional interior and decent all-round visibility.

In base spec, creature comforts are limited to a heater and cooling fan, but the Cummins-powered model does have the option of air conditioning. A reversing camera also comes as standard.

Just like big-brand rivals, most of the controls are lumped onto a multi-function joystick. This includes all boom functions, a forward/reverse shuttle, third service and gear change.

Those fitted with a Xinchai engine come in at £28,500, while Cummins models command a £32,500 price tag.

Compact machine

At the other end of the spectrum is the compact 810T, which is powered by a 2.5-litre, three-cylinder Kubota engine that develops 25hp mated to a two-speed hydrostatic transmission.

This is the best seller in the range, appealing to a wide audience from farms and smallholdings to garden centres and builders’ yards.

Lift capacity is 1t, maximum lift height is 3.44m and it has a top speed of 18kph. The cab is smaller than that fitted on the higher horsepower machines but comes with the same interior fitments and joystick.

It costs £19,495, including a bucket and pallet forks.