The Farmers Weekly ultimate guide to telescopic farm handling and loading machines has been published online for 2018, with many changes from last year’s edition.

The guide provides a quick-reference summary of essential specs and list prices for all makes and models available in Britain, from the smallest to the largest, and whether skid, bendy chassis or multi-wheel steering  gives them the manoeuvrability farmers need.

See also: Pickup buyers guide 2017

A telescopic skid-steer loader is listed in the guide for the first time now that JCB has introduced its Teleskid loader with extending boom, and Manitou has returned to the articulated handler fold with its single MLA-T model – a sector that JCB is also tackling with the TM420 addition to its range.

Kramer now has a full line-up of four-wheel-steer telescopic handlers following the cutting of ties with Claas, whose listing features the initial models of a new Scorpion range built by construction giant Liebherr.

The Case IH, Massey Ferguson and New Holland listings all feature new and uprated models with added performance and refinements, while distributor Finning has slimmed its Caterpillar offering.

Merlo has also presented a much-simplified farm telehandler range, but one that still includes the unique Multifarmer with fully integrated rear three-point linkage and pto for field duties.

For “green” electric drive, the Avant range is the place to look, while for sheer power the new Merlo machines with 170hp FPT engines are the ones to beat.

Download the 2018 telehandler spec table (PDF) or grab a copy of the 30 March edition of Farmers Weekly for a printed version.