2.5t telehandlers compared, Part 2: Delving into the detail

All our test machines proved perfect for hopping on and getting a small job done quickly. They proved to be versatile helpers, their low cab, compact dimensions and test performance all winning high praise (see profi 12/2021). When working a long day, however, we did start to miss a few of the creature comforts of their bigger siblings, although we are not suggesting they are not good to operate. Machine handling ratings are summarised in the table ‘Five telehandlers compared’. We also have a summary for each machine.

Compact and straightforward?

Compact dimensions are one thing, but to exploit this in narrow and confined areas you also need good visibility. A key factor here is the height of the boom mount from the chassis, so we got out the tape. The Merlo measured 1.15m and the JCB 1.20m, both low. At 1.46m, the Kramer KT276 was the tallest but, in this instance, this was negated by the raised cab (see last month’s issue for details).

As to the Manitou, this came in at 1.37m, the Faresin 1.40m, both in the middle. Bottom line? Visibility over the boom was fine on all of them.

There were, however, major differences with regards to the view of implement attachment points and seeing what is happening as the boom is raised. For example, the attachment couplers and locking system on the Kramer and Manitou were easy to see, but the top cross beam on the JCB started to get