JCB telehandlers - ag vs Construction specs

[Captain Speaking]

Hello everyone; we're looking at something like a 535-95, 2-3 yrs old, but what's the difference between Ag spec and Construction spec?

 

[Andrew]

Hello everyone; we're looking at something like a 535-95, 2-3 yrs old, but what's the difference between Ag spec and Construction spec?

I think construction spec:
Lower power
4 speed not 6 speed
Lower top speed
Lack of air con
Lack of tow hitch
Different control layout

 

[melted welly]

negative side : Less power (both engine and hyd), which is really noticeable in fieldwork, basic cab, often lacking joystick control and work lights. No hyd locking pins on carriage and if ex hire company, they’re often on shitey crossply tyres.

plus side: all of the above, meaning simpler machine under less stress. Just put away a 17yr old 540-70 industrial spec with 14500hrs. It will still be a good machine for someone.

if not fussed about air seat, 50k, worklights etc and mostly on yard work, there’s nothing wrong with them, a lot cheaper than ag spec. And in my experience give less bother.

 

[roscoe erf]

Not this old chestnut again

 

[ACEngineering]

Hello everyone; we're looking at something like a 535-95, 2-3 yrs old, but what's the difference between Ag spec and Construction spec?

to add to what others have said, the 535-95 in either construction spec or agri spec does not have the tilt linkage so will have reduced crowd and tip angles than a 7metre model, possibly less tare out force too?

Oh and agri models tend to have limited slip diff on front, once you start looking there are lots of little things that all add up to make a big difference, but if you just want to lift stuff and move it around both will do it, but one will do it quicker than the other and in more comfort.

 

[Andrew]

I forgot to mention, I think the logbook may need to be changed with DVSA as well

 

[puntabrava]

Hello everyone; we're looking at something like a 535-95, 2-3 yrs old, but what's the difference between Ag spec and Construction spec?

25k

 

[Jato]

Agri machine mostly has variable flow hydraulic pump and proportional controls controls. Lots of electrical faults and error codes.
Construction machine has gear pump and manual joystick and a lot less hassle

 

[Jackov Altraids]

I think the main difference is, if you haven't had a handler before, you'll be very happy with a construction spec one.
If you have been using an agri-spec one, you won't.

As Andrew said, you'll need to ask DVLA to change the vehicle category but is very easy and cheap if not free.

 

[Barleymow]

Narrow tyres

 

[Wellytrack]

Most construction models are full time 4wd are they not?

I like running in 2wd most of the time in the loadall.

 

[Hard Graft]

Had one on hire and the joy stick was back to front as in up and down was correct but boom in and out had been swapped with bucket crowed ( bucket crowed was the extra leaver not boom in and out)

 

[roscoe erf]

Had one on hire and the joy stick was back to front as in up and down was correct but boom in and out had been swapped with bucket crowed ( bucket crowed was the extra leaver not boom in and out)

so its harder to tip stuff on to other workers in a construction environment its no biggie

 

[Grassman]

Most construction models are full time 4wd are they not?

I like running in 2wd most of the time in the loadall.

I didn't know any modern telehandler had 2wd switch option. What make is it?

 

[mountfarm]

Hello everyone; we're looking at something like a 535-95, 2-3 yrs old, but what's the difference between Ag spec and Construction spec?

Power power power. Construction spec machines are of no use in a field. We have a hire company in a rented out shed so often borrow a machine and it’s like night and day difference between an ag spec machine. I’d only ever buy one if it was 70% cheaper than an ag machine because they do 70% less work. Put one loading a muck spreader and after 10 mins you’ll want to retire.

 

[Wellytrack]

I didn't know any modern telehandler had 2wd switch option. What make is it?

It's not modern

525 58 farm special

 

[roscoe erf]

Power power power. Construction spec machines are of no use in a field. We have a hire company in a rented out shed so often borrow a machine and it’s like night and day difference between an ag spec machine. I’d only ever buy one if it was 70% cheaper than an ag machine because they do 70% less work. Put one loading a muck spreader and after 10 mins you’ll want to retire.

utter tosh

 

[Captain Speaking]

Thank you SO much everyone...really really helpful info. We're veering towards a 535-95 at the moment.

 

[Hard Graft]

so its harder to tip stuff on to other workers in a construction environment its no biggie

I feel it is worse as it is so different will cause issues and there for more dangerous as takes a while to get use to as on loading shovels and 3cx mostly and most lads will be the same here and I was thinking of a construction spec for the farm and general maintenance but it would put me off

 

[Andrew]

I feel it is worse as it is so different will cause issues and there for more dangerous as takes a while to get use to as on loading shovels and 3cx mostly and most lads will be the same here and I was thinking of a construction spec for the farm and general maintenance but it would put me off

Not strange if the builder has been brought up on them and never driven anything else though.