Practical test: Telehandlers compared, part two …is in the eating. Last month we compared the performance of four telehandler models, all of which would love to oust the current top names in the farm-popular 7m, 3.0t – 4.0t class. Now we turn to the machines’ handling and operation.
In performance terms at least, the four challengers compared here — coming from Deutz-Fahr, Dieci, Massey Ferguson and New Holland — are up on a par with the market leaders. But from an operator’s standpoint it’s the detail that makes a machine. While we can’t suggest which of the four would be right for you — that’s always down to a farm’s circumstances — we can pass on some observations and comments that might make the buying decision a little easier.
Transmission choice has an impact on driveability. The options are hydrostatic drive – an oil pump and oil motors take engine power to the wheels – or torque converter, which connects the engine to a multi-step powershift gearbox via a fluid coupling. Both types do away with the need for a clutch pedal.
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