Rate your Telehandler, you get 2 choices.

[Dave645]

Ok, first thanks for voting if you have.
Second if you have a reason why you voted that are positive please post a few details.

This poll really needed multiple questions but that’s not possible
So I will ask you to add the following.
If you have had positive experiences with a telehandler please add the brand, model and year It was made. You can throw in the hrs it’s done if you like.

I am not asking for negative reasons for votes to keep things simple, and I don’t want to put people off choices just point them at better machines and brands and year, so their version.

Finally you can recomend as many brands and models as you like Please restrict recommendations to actual models you have used.
So for Example,

I recomend the Merlo 26.6, 2003, 4000hrs

If you like you can add why you recomend it you can but keep it as simple as possible please.

Finally thanks for your responses, I hope to create some type of chart depending on the data and responses this thread gets.

I hope it provides useful info for everyone.

 

[Sharpy]

Manitou Mla 627 here, s reg bought at 4400 hrs, away at 14000. Very few problems, never sat down other than the odd hose.
Replaced by a Mla 628, 08 plate bought at 6600 hrs, done 1400 here, quicker machine, nicer to use, very pleased .

 

[vantage]

JCB will win,not because they're especially good,more because there are a lot of them. Your chart will have to have an adjustment for numbers of each machine otherwise the results will be skewed.
I have a Manitou 629/120 ,2001,11.5k hours by the way,wouldn't vote for this model,but the new ones address most of its shortcomings.

 

[Andrew]

JCB 535-95 2009 8700 hrs
JCB 535-95 2011 8500 hrs
JCB 535-95 2015 4900 hrs

All here since new and all still going strong. 2015 machine has had a few problems but backup from JCB and the dealer is why really makes them worthwhile running.

Edit. The 532-120 T reg we had was a very good machine too, but slow on the road. We put about 9000hrs on that I think.

 

[Goweresque]

JCB 530-70, V plate, industrial spec (non turbo engine, no PUH etc). Bought ex hire company in 2009 at about 4000 hours, now done just over 6000, only repairs in that time are a new starter, a new handbrake cable and a leaking radiator hose. I plan to keep it indefinitely, I'll throw money at having it refurbed rather than buy a more modern one.

 

[nick...]

Got a jcb 531/70.55 reg on about 2500 hours as digital clock rarely works.last model pre common rail pump.bad points in my opinion,battery too small and will got flat if standing for a few weeks.also pain in the arse to lube all the drive train nipples and never done front cv joint nipple next to hub despite jacking up to turn wheel and having jcb service tool.good points,plenty of power for what I need,125hp,comfortable cab,plenty of reach and hydraulic power.cant really fault it
Nick...

 

[nick...]

Need to add the plastic fuel pipes on the engines joining filters and pump etc,the rubber seals get eaten by modern fuel leading to occasional leaks
Nick...

 

[Rob Holmes]

Wheres Kramer on the list?

 

[vantage]

Wheres Kramer on the list?

Must be "Other",where other quality machines reside, Schaffer , Weidemann,not sure if CAT is in the same category for quality.

 

[egbert]

we're on 2nd Cat.
Current one, a 330b, is 2006, 6000 hrs,
As well as handling bales and muck, it's been put through hell handling round timber and rock to some way over it's limits.

It's not as simple/fixable/robust as the previous UK built model, but we've failed to break it beyond repair.

 

[quattro]

Had 7 jcbs currently 560/80 machine

 

[ollie989898]

Surely such a poll is skewed due to the widely differing numbers of machines sold in the UK?

 

[fermerboy]

Jcb
Had a 526s which we ran to 13000hrs with very little bother.
Now have a 526-56 wirh side mounted jcb engine. Its not been as good as the first one but for the work and abuse its had i cant complain, near 11000hrs now. Couple of belt idlers on engine, steering valve solenoid, a persistent leak from the spool block and the rest has been operator caused.
Dealer is only 7miles away although i only use them for spares really. We are in NE Scot and if i order before 4pm any part is here by 8am, cant fault that i reckon.
Add in the fact that used loadalls generally hold their value, it would have to be something very good to tempt me awsy.

 

[Bald Rick]

JCB TM320S on which we put 2500-3000 hrs a year.
Paint is poor, Adblue sensor plays up all the time and pretty useless at towing

But dealer is four miles away and prompt with replacement or service/help

Wouldn’t go back to a loadall but might get a second machine soon

 

[whindy]

Class/scorpion. New model.
Class scorpion/Kramer
Mainly due to the good back from class eastern sinderby

 

[fudge]

Ours is a JCB 530 70. Probably better to ask if there is a machine that wouldn’t be recommended. All telehandlers seem to be well liked by their owners and why not? Brilliant machines IMO.

 

[The Son]

JCB 531-70 jan 2016 4400 hours just a nice loader with good dealer back up.

 

[puntabrava]

527-58 plus year 1995
530-70 ag super year 2004
536-70 ag super year 2017
550-80 ag plus year 2014
My current jcb lineup, once bought they have been cheap to run with few problems.
I rate Manitou in a similar way, many of my farmer customers who run Manitous replace them with the same so this speaks volumes.

 

[Speedstar]

We have a jcb but it has problems,boom pivot cracking etc ,going to look at other makes next time after having jcb since 1982 they are not the machine they were

 

[puntabrava]

We have a jcb but it has problems,boom pivot cracking etc ,going to look at other makes next time after having jcb since 1982 they are not the machine they were

They keep putting more power and more efficient transmissions and tyres that grip more then wonder why the booms are being shoved out of the arse end.