MARKET REVIEW // SMALL TELEHANDLERS Surprisingly good performance for a telehandler that can fit through small gaps and safely operate in confined environments.
COMPACT TELE TALK Peter Anderson reviews the various options for those looking for a compact telescopic handler with a lifting capacity of up to 3.6 tonnes he telescopic handler, or telehandler, is one of the first items of mobile plant on a construction site, and usually the last to leave, which underlines the popularity of this highly manoeuvrable and versatile materials handler. This versatility is further enhanced by using a range of attachments. Most frequently, the machine is fitted with forks, allowing it to lift and place materials, especially popular on building sites. Loose
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material buckets and roof truss lifting attachments are also commonly used, while the machines are able to work with more specialised attachments, such as pipe clamps, soil augers and waste grabs. Compact telehandlers with lift capacities up to 3.6 tonnes are becoming increasingly popular. Their compact dimensions make them incredibly manoeuvrable on congested job sites, and some can fit through surprisingly small openings. The relatively modest power ratings of many of
these machines bring a practical advantage on site, and simple after-treatment systems meet the latest emissions regulations – attractions for both hirers and users alike. Finally, there is a business case for using a compact telehandler: instead of paying for a larger telehandler to be constantly on site, one of these more cost-effective machines could undertake the majority of the routine work. A larger machine would only be required to undertake high or heavy lifts.
GEHL COMPACT RANGE
PAIR OF JLG MODELS
There are six compact Generation 3 models in the Gehl range of telescopic handlers. The range starts with the RS3-14, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1.99t and lift height of 4.34, and extends up to the RS8-44 with a maximum load of 3.6t and a 13.4m lift height. The three smaller models are powered by Kubota, Yanmar and Deutz engines delivering 42kW, 50kW, and 55kW respectively, while the RS6-42, RS-8-42 and RS8-44 models are fitted with an 89kW Cummins engine. All models feature a single joystick control for boom extension and retraction, attachment tilt, auxiliary hydraulics as well as forward, neutral and reverse. Four-wheel drive is standard with operator selectable three mode steering.
Two compact telehandler models make up the JLG offering in the under 3.6t load capacity category, consisting of the G5-18A and 742 models. With a 5t operating weight the G5-18A is powered by a 55.2kW Deutz engine, which drives through a hydrostatic transmission, with a maximum travel speed of 24kph. It has a maximum lift capacity of 2.49t and a maximum lift height 5.6m Weighing 9.74t, the 742 model is powered by a 55.2kW Cummins engine, again driving through a hydrostatic transmission with a top speed of 29kph. The JLG 742 has a maximum lift capacity of 3.17t, a maximum lift height of 12.8m, a reach of 8.86m and an outside turning radius of 3.66m.
NOVEMBER 2021
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