5 most popular telescopic handler brands in 2023

When it comes to lifting loads at heights or stacking, nothing quite does it like a telescopic handler. It has a higher reach and higher lift capacities compared to wheeled loaders, making tasks such as stacking hay bales and pellets much easier and safer.

As these machines can be used with multiple attachments such as pallet forks and buckets, they are highly versatile and are utilised in multiple sectors including agriculture, construction and infrastructure.  

Here we discover some of the most popular brands when it comes to telescopic handlers.

While this UK-based manufacturer cut its teeth in backhoe loaders, and is still known for its backhoe innovations, it has quickly made a name for itself across multiple product categories including tractors, excavators, skid steer loaders and telescopic handlers.

Its telescopic handlers – or telescopic loaders- as they are sometimes known as, were introduced in 1977 and have since expanded into a dozen strong line-up, with multiple sizes and configurations to suit just about any application.

The lift height ranges from 5.8m to 17.5m, with its Agri spec suited for agricultural applications while the HiViz spec caters to heavy-duty construction purposes.

JCB is the most popular brand of telescopic handlers on the site by a long shot, with five out of the top 10 most popular models being JCB machines.

The most viewed telescopic handler for 2023 is the JCB 531-70 which raked in 12,969 views this year alone.

The model is the smallest of the brand’s full-sized telescopic handler range offering a max lift capacity of 3000kg and a max lift height of 7m.

The JCB 541-70 and 535-95 come in at number two and three on the list respectively, with other popular JCB models being the 537-135 and 532-70 Agri.

Here's a list of JCB telescopic handlers currently on the market

Manitou is a market leader in materials handling solutions, with the brand focusing on materials and people handling machinery such as telehandlers, forklifts, elevating work platforms, warehousing trucks and loaders.

The French-brand cut its teeth in forklift trucks but eventually branched out to offer much more than just that. Its telescopic handlers cover a range of applications including agriculture, construction and even mining. Manitou also offers some electric machines including electric telehandlers and electric EWPs.

Some of the most popular Manitou models on the site include the MT1030, MLL840-137 and MT1840.

The MT1030 is a discontinued model with a Perkins engine and a lift height of about 10m.

Find your own Manitou telescopic handler to buy

Another European brand on the list is Merlo, an Italian family-run company that specialises in and only does telescopic handlers. Its bright green paint scheme certainly sets it apart from the other machines.   

Its range of telehandlers also caters to a range of applications such as agriculture, construction, and forestry.

The most popular Merlo model on our site is the Merlo P35.9 EVA which is an older model that has since ceased production. It has a lift height of 9m and a lift capacity of three tonnes.

Other popular Merlo models include the 120.20HM and P60.10.

Buy a new or used Merlo telescopic handler

Anyone in the industry would have heard of Bobcat, the all-rounder manufacturer of construction equipment which is perhaps best known for its range of skid steers and compact track loaders.

Besides its loaders, the brand also makes tractors, excavators and indeed telescopic handlers. It also makes construction and agriculture spec telescopic handlers to meet the demands of each sector.

The most viewed Bobcat telehandler on the site is the TL30.60, which is the smallest model in the range and well suited for both agricultural and construction applications. As the machine sits in the compact segment, it is suitable for work in tight spots such as smaller construction sites or in farm sheds.

It has a lift height of 5.9m and a lift capacity of three tonnes.

Another popular Bobcat telehandler model is the TL38.70HF which has high-flow hydraulics and is more suited for agricultural applications. It has a lift height of 6.9m and a lift capacity of 3.8 tonnes.

We recently tested the latest iteration of the TL38.7HF with new comfort features in the cab and all-round productivity improvements.

Have a look at Bobcat telescopic handlers you can buy now

Genie is perhaps best known for its people handling equipment such as boom lifts, scissor lifts and elevating work platforms, but the company also specialises in materials handling equipment such as telescopic handlers.

Its equipment sports a bright blue scheme and is hence easily distinguishable from other brands.

Related: Genie GTH-3007 telehandler small but powerful

The GTH4013 is the most popular Genie model on the site, with a lift height of 13m and capacity of three tonnes. It has since been discontinued.

Buy a Genie telescopic handler here