Telescopic handlers - the machine that reaches where others can't
Image: Merlo P 28.8 L telescopic handler. Photo by MerloD, licence CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Telescopic handlers - the machine that reaches where others can't
A telescopic handler combines the load capacity of a wheel loader with the reach of a crane. The telescopic boom system allows the machine to lift and place loads at heights and distances that neither a forklift nor a conventional wheel loader can manage.
The machine is widely used in agriculture, construction and industry - and it can be fitted with a wide range of attachments, from pallet forks and buckets to crane jibs and work platforms for lifting personnel.
How does a telescopic handler work?
The basic construction is a telescopic boom mounted on a four-wheel-drive chassis. The boom can be extended and raised simultaneously, giving a combination of reach and lift height that is difficult to achieve with other machine types.
An important limitation to understand is that lifting capacity decreases as the boom extends and the angle changes. A machine rated at 3,000 kg with the boom retracted may have a capacity of only 500-700 kg at full extension. Modern machines are equipped with electronic load monitoring systems that warn or lock the controls if limits are exceeded - in Europe this is a legal requirement governed by EN 15000.
Four-wheel steering is common on telescopic handlers and gives the machine good manoeuvrability even on confined sites.
Applications
Agriculture is historically the dominant application. Telescopic handlers are used to handle large bales, fill and empty silos, load and unload transport vehicles, and move material in confined barn environments. Agricultural models are often equipped with three-point linkage and power take-off to use tractor implements.
Construction is the other major area. Pallet forks are the most common attachment choice here - the machine is used to lift materials to high scaffolding, unload lorries and move goods on sites without fixed forklift equipment. In many cases the machine replaces the need for a mobile crane for lighter lifting work.
Industry and logistics is a growing area of use, particularly in environments where tall loads need to be handled and a conventional forklift does not have sufficient reach.
Rotating telescopic handlers
One variant worth mentioning separately is the rotating telescopic handler - sometimes called a Roto. These machines have a slewing upper structure and can work 360 degrees around the machine with outriggers deployed. That makes them a hybrid between a telescopic handler and a mobile crane, often used on building sites where the operator wants to combine load handling with lifting work without bringing in a separate crane.
Brands - the manufacturers on the market
Merlo is an Italian family company founded in 1911 in Cuneo, Piedmont. Their first telescopic handler - the SM 30 - was launched in 1981 and stood out with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and four equal-sized wheels, which was more advanced than the competition at the time. Merlo claims market leadership in Sweden and several other European countries. The model range covers everything from compact machines for barn work to large construction models and rotating Roto variants. Turbofarmer and Panoramic are two of the most common model series.
Manitou is a French publicly listed company founded in 1957 in Ancenis. Marcel Braud originally designed a forklift truck for rough-terrain use - that was the starting point for a company that today is one of the world's larger manufacturers of lifting and handling equipment. Manitou had revenue of €2.87 billion in 2023 and sells machines under the Manitou, Gehl and Mustang brands.
Magni is an Italian family company founded in 2013 by Riccardo Magni and his children in Castelfranco Emilia. Despite being a young company, it has quickly established itself as one of the leading names in rotating telescopic handlers. Magni is known for machines with exceptional lift height - the RTH 6.51 SH is currently the world's tallest rotating telescopic handler. The range now covers over 45 models, including fixed and rotating variants and, since 2024, compact and agricultural models.
The market includes considerably more manufacturers. The JCB Loadall series has been in production since 1977 and is one of the most established names in construction telehandlers. Kramer and Weidemann, both part of the Wacker Neuson group, are strong in agriculture and compact machines in Northern Europe. Italian Dieci is growing in the Nordics, particularly in rotating and agricultural models. The Claas Scorpion is common among farmers and is manufactured by Liebherr. In addition, Bobcat, Caterpillar, Liebherr, Faresin and New Holland are present in the Nordic market.
Sources: Merlo official website (merlo.com); Manitou Group Annual Report 2023 (manitou-group.com); Magni Telescopic Handlers official website (magni.it); Wikipedia.
Spare parts for telescopic handlers
Telescopic handlers contain a number of components subject to regular wear - hydraulic systems, boom sections, steering components, transmission parts and attachment interfaces are the most common service areas.
We stock spare parts for Merlo and are continuously dismantling new machines - including Magni. Availability changes as new units come in. Get in touch if you are looking for a specific part - machine model, serial number or OEM number makes it easier to find the right component.
Or call us on 033-400 59 00.