2026 Telehandler Buyer's Guide

From farm sheds to construction sites, telehandlers are a go-to machine for lifting and moving materials.

With plenty of options on the market, telehandlers bridge the gap between bulk loading and precise material placement across agricultural and construction sites.

The mid-size telehandler segment, particularly machines with a three-to-four-tonne lift capacity and around seven metres of lift height, is a popular choice. These machines are compact enough for tight feedlots and busy worksites, yet capable of stacking hay bales, loading chaser bins and lifting pallets of construction materials.

Key considerations in 2026 include hydraulic flow for faster cycle times, transmissions that support fuel efficiency and operator cabs with good all-round visibility.

If you’re looking to upgrade your material-handling equipment or add a versatile machine to your fleet, here are six telehandlers available in Australia.

JCB is one of the most recognisable names in telehandlers, particularly on farms.

The JCB 531-70 Loadall is used across agricultural and industrial applications, sitting in the popular seven-metre lift class.

Powered by JCB's EcoMAX engine, producing up to 109hp, the 531-70 combines lifting capability with fuel efficiency.

It has a maximum lift capacity of 3100kg and can lift 2400kg to its full 7.0m height.

Its integrated boom nose and one-piece, fully welded chassis provide a rigid structure for stability when handling heavy loads.

Operators also benefit from three steering modes (two-wheel, four-wheel and crab steer) for manoeuvring in tight sheds and on worksites.

Horsepower range: 100hp to 109hp
Transmission: Torque converter Powershift
Lift capacity: Up to 3100kg
Max lift height: 7.0m
Ideal for: General farm loading, hay stacking, and civil material handling

The Manitou MLT-X 737-130 PS+ is designed for demanding agricultural and heavy utility work.

A 129hp Deutz engine is paired with Manitou's six-speed Powershift Plus transmission, allowing gear changes on the move.

The model has a maximum lift capacity of 3700kg and a maximum lift height of 6.9m.

A 150L/min hydraulic pump allows operators to perform multiple boom movements simultaneously.

Inside the cab, the JSM (Joystick Switch & Move) control lets operators manage boom and transmission functions with one hand, helping reduce fatigue during long shifts.

Horsepower range: 129hp
Transmission: Six-speed Powershift Plus
Lift capacity: Up to 3700kg
Max lift height: 6.9m
Ideal for: High-cycle bucket work, feedlot management, and heavy pallet loading

Merlo’s Turbofarmer 35.7 is an option for both broadacre farmers and civil contractors.

Power comes from a 136hp engine paired with Merlo's EPD (Eco Power Drive) hydrostatic transmission, which manages engine rpm independently of the accelerator pedal to reduce fuel consumption.

With a 3500kg lift capacity and a 6.6m maximum lift height, the TF35.7 measures just 2.25m wide for access to tighter spaces.

The TF35.7 also offers good cab visibility and a 125L/min hydraulic system with Load Sensing and Flow Sharing technology for precise, simultaneous boom movements.

Horsepower range: 136hp
Transmission: Hydrostatic with Eco Power Drive (EPD)
Lift capacity: Up to 3500kg
Max lift height: 6.6m
Ideal for: Precision material placement, tight access farm sheds, and civil loading

Best known for its skid-steer loaders, Bobcat also offers the TL38.70HF telehandler for demanding agricultural and construction applications.

The TL38.70HF has a 130hp engine paired with a hydrostatic transmission, with access to Bobcat’s attachment range.

It has a 3800kg lift capacity and a 6.9m maximum lift height. The 'HF' designation stands for High Flow, reflecting its focus on fast boom cycle times.

A rigid box-welded frame and shielded bottom plate help protect components from debris on rough worksites.

Standard boom suspension helps smooth the ride at travel speeds of up to 40km/h, improving operator comfort and load stability.

Horsepower range: 130hp
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Lift capacity: Up to 3800kg
Max lift height: 6.9m
Ideal for: Fast-cycle loading tasks, rough terrain handling, and multi-attachment versatility

For heavier lifting tasks, the Dieci Samson 70.10 is designed for mining, heavy construction and large-scale agricultural applications.

Powered by a 125hp FPT engine with a hydrostatic transmission, the Samson has a 130L/min hydraulic flow rate, a 7000kg lift capacity and a 9.65m maximum lift height.

Despite its lifting capacity, the machine measures 6.0m long and offers three steering modes for manoeuvring around worksites.

Applications include lifting oversized concrete pipes, moving shipping containers and handling large square bales.

Horsepower range: 125hp
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Lift capacity: Up to 7000kg
Max lift height: 9.65m
Ideal for: Mining applications, heavy civil infrastructure, and bulk agricultural handling

Liebherr’s T 46-7s is designed for heavy material-handling applications on farms and construction sites.

Powered by a 143hp engine, the T 46-7s has a 200L/min hydraulic pump, a 4600kg lift capacity and a 7.0m maximum lift height.

It can perform multiple boom movements simultaneously to improve loading and stacking cycle times.

The T 46-7s also has a maximum forward reach of 3.8m for loading tasks.

Horsepower range: 143hp (105 kW)
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Lift capacity: Up to 4600kg
Max lift height: 7.0m
Ideal for: Heavy material handling, intensive agricultural loading, and demanding civil applications

Choosing a telehandler comes down to matching lift capacity, maximum reach and hydraulic flow to the tasks you need to perform.

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