Last year, three European trade magazines tested seven telehandler models, each falling into the 4.0t, 7.0m lift bracket. We summarise the results of the test, which took place in Denmark.
When it comes to telehandler, machines with a lift capacity of around 4.0t and a boom that can stretch to 7.0m are proving very popular … and not just in the UK, but across Europe, too. To see how they stack
up against one another, three trade journals, TraktorTech from Denmark, Koneviesti from Finland and Trekker from the Netherlands, gathered these seven machines:
● Bobcat TL43.80HF Agri
● Claas Scorpion 741 Varipower
● JCB 542-70 AgriXtra
● Kramer KT407
● Manitou MLT741-140V+
● Merlo TF42.7 TTCS145 CVTronic
● New Holland TH7.42 Elite
The table ‘Measurements and technical data’ on page 25 contains information from the manufacturers’ spec sheets as well as test result figures and prices. The drawbar and lifting forces as well as the noise level in the cab are shown in three graphs.
The top score is 1,000 points
For all practical and technical disciplines together, the test candidates were able to achieve a maximum of 1,000 points (chart ‘Assessments at a glance’ on the facing page). With the highest points tally, JCB wins the comparison test, closely followed by Kramer, Manitou and Claas. Bobcat, New Holland and Merlo fill places five to seven.
But every machine has its specific strengths. JCB scores top in the practical application criteria, which include ergonomics and user friendliness, yet receives the fewest points in the technical criteria.
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