MARKET REVIEW

Surprisingly good performance for a telehandler that can fi t through small gaps and safely operate in confi ned 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

Ttelehandler, is one of the fi rst 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 fi tted with forks, allowing it to lift and place materials, especially popular on building sites. Loose 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 fi t 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 off ers 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 fi tted 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 off ering 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.

UPGRADED & MICRO AUSAS

NEW ITALIAN DIECIS BRAND NEW BOBCATS

Last year Ausa launched the new T204H and T235H models. Although they carry same model numbers as the previous generation, Ausa says they have been redesigned.

The T204H has a 2t payload and a maximum lift of 4.2m. In turn, the larger T235H can carry up to 2.3t and has a maximum lift of 5m. Both models are built on the same platform, powered by a 32.5kW Kubota engine and off er four-wheel drive and three steering modes.

Also in the Ausa range is the ultra-compact T144H model, which is capable of lifting loads of up to 1.35t to a maximum height of 4m. Weighing 2.4 tonnes and extremely compact, it can be transported on a 3.5t gross weight trailer.

Italian manufacturer Dieci has recently introduced a new range of compact telehandlers, known as the GD models. The line-up starts with the Dedalus 3.7GD, which off ers a load capacity of 3t and a lift height of 6.35m, and goes up to the 3.4t/6.35m Dedalus 34.7GD model. There is also the Zeus 35.11GD model, which features a maximum load of 3.5t and a maximum lift height of 10.6m. All these compact models are powered by 55.4kW Kubota engines.

These models feature a brand-new cab, which Dieci says off ers unmatched comfort, together with a state-of-the-art electronic control system and an 18cm LCD display. Bobcat has recently launched its 12-model R Series of ultra-low emissions telehandlers, three of which – TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 – cover maximum lift capacities between 2.6 and 3.6 tonnes, and maximum lift heights of 6m and 7m.

The new cab off ers more space and better visibility than the previous models and features a central control panel for better operator ergonomics and a new 13cm LCD monitor, which also displays the rear camera feed. A new Dynamic mode results in rapid transmission response. There is also an option that will control travel speed independent of engine speed.

DEUTZ-POWERED GENIES

Two compact telehandlers are available from Genie, the GTH-2506 and the GTH-3007 models. Weighing 4.58t the GTH-2506 is powered by a 56kW Deutz engine and off ers a maximum lift capacity of 2.5t, and a 2t payload capable of being lifted to the machine’s maximum lift height of 5.79m. It is a compact and lightweight four-wheel drive telehandler that comes with a spacious cab.

The larger GTH-3007 telehandler is powered by a 68kW Deutz engine, coupled with a two-speed gearbox with 35kph top speed. It weighs 5.79t and has a maximum lift height of 6.89m, a maximum lift capacity of 3t and a payload of 2.5t at maximum height.

JCB LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

The revised range of JCB Construction Loadall telehandlers is powered by Stage 5 ultra-low emissions 448 DieselMax engines rated at 81kW. The fi rm’s compact 516-40 and 520-40 models now meet the Stage 5 standards with the use of a naturally aspirated 1.7-litre Perkins engine rated at 19kW.

In another development JCB is introducing its fi rst ever battery-powered Loadall telescopic handler, an expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the fully electric 525-60E model off ers zero-emissions and reduced noise pollution on site.

NEW MARKET CONTENDER

Solihull-based distributor J MAC has added new models to its expanding line-up of construction machines. The new telehandler is the JMT30, which has a 3t maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 4m. The two-wheel drive machine is powered by a 43kW Yanmar engine connected to a hydrostatic transmission and controlled by electric joysticks. It joins the JMT1500 telehandler, a compact road towable machine with a lifting capacity of 1.2t and a 20.9kW Perkins engine driving a hydrostatic four-wheel transmission.

Another new model is the JMT368 with a lift capacity of 3t and a maximum lift height of 6.8m, powered by a 61kW Yanmar engine driving a two-speed hydrostatic transmission.

FIVE HIGH-SPEC KRAMERS

LATEST MANITOU COMPACTS HIGH & LOW LIEBHERRS

There are fi ve compact telehandlers in the Kramer range off ering load capacities from 1.25 to 3.5 tonnes and lift heights between 4.28m and 7.0m. The smaller machines are powered by Yanmar, Perkins and Kohler engines rated at between 18.4kW to 100kW, driving a hydrostatic transmission producing travel speeds up to 40kph. Operating weights extend from 2.75t for the 1245 model, up to the 7.2t 3509 model. Kramer’s Powerfl ow hydraulic system is said to provide fast working cycles. Three steering modes and three drive modes are available to the operator, who is safely ensconced in a large air-conditioned cab.

Manitou off ers a range of compact telehandlers with load capacities under 3.6t. Latest models are the MT730H and MT930H, powered by ultra-low emissions Stage 5-compliant 54.65kW Kubota engines.

Weighing 5.88t, the MT730H has a 3t maximum load capacity and 7m maximum lift height, while the 6.55t MT930H has a max load capacity of 3t and a max lift height of 9m. Both have an overall width and height of just under two metres. Forward reach is 4m for the MT730 with up to 950kg, and 2.5t to full height, while the MT930 has just over 6m forward reach with 450kg and can lift 2t to full height. Three base Liebherr compact telehandlers are available: the T32-7, T35-6 and T36-7 models, providing maximum load capacities of 3.2t, 3.5t and 3.6t, and maximum lift heights of 6.13m and 6.93m. These three base models are available in two distinct levels of specifi cation: the ‘value’ line is designed for simple stacking and lifting applications; top specifi cation ‘S’ models get all the bells and whistles.

All are powered by a 100kW Liebherr engine, but the S line models get a high-performance, load-sensing main hydraulic pump, providing an oil flow of 160 lit/min. It is matched to a control block with a load-independent flow rate, enabling simultaneous movements.

DYNAMIC MERLO RANGE

There are fi ve models under 3.6t load capacity in the Merlo range, comprising the P27-6Plus, 30-9G, 33-7G, 30-10 and 35-11. They off er load capacities from 2.7 to 3.5 tonnes and max lifting heights between 5.9m and 11m. All are powered by 55.4kW Kohler engines.

Merlo has developed a dynamic load control system that identifi es the weight and the position of the load being lifted, data inputs into a virtual load chart that calculates a stability index in real time. As the index increases, visual and acoustic signals warn the operator that the safety limit is being approached. Once this limit is reached, the system automatically prevents any movements that would further exacerbate the situation.

NEW DUTCH-BUILT COMPACTS

Known for manufacturing electric-powered compact wheeled loaders, Netherlands-based Tobroco-Giant has turned its attention to compact telehandlers. Its latest model is the GT5048, which is powered by an ultra-clean Stage 5 Kubota engine rated at 36kW, which drives a hydrostatic all-wheel drive transmission, with steering through 8t capacity axles and a heavy planetary fi nal drive.

The GT5048 weighs 2.9 tonnes, has a maximum load capacity of 1.4t, and a maximum lift height with forks of 4.8m. With a width of 1.8m and a height of 1.97m it is a compact machine featuring four-wheel steering.

SAFE LIFT WACKERS

Three compact telehandlers are available from Wacker Neuson: the TH412, TH522 and TH627 models, with max payloads of 1.25t, 2.2t and 2.7t, while lifting heights are 4.3m, 5.06m and 5.79m respectively.

All of the telehandlers are equipped with the fi rm’s system to prevent a longitudinal tip-over due to being overloaded, without aff ecting the operating speed. Where other systems interrupt the working cycle by switching off the hydraulic function, the Wacker system is said to allow for safe and smooth sequence through a uniform and rapid lifting and lowering of the telescopic arm, at the same time as a partial automation of the telescopic movement.