Sensible reliable Telehandler

[MJT]

Currently run a merlo 32.6 telehandler, after trading in our old 26.6 years ago . The newer machine has given so much more problems , mostly electrical or sensors etc, as well as stupid amount of pipes wearing through. So my question is what would you guys advise for a more basic telehandler with less electrics on . If I could find a low hour 26.6 I’d snap it up but nothing as of yet .

 

[Dave W]

@Drillman could be tempted to take profit on his new toy

 

[Drillman]

@Drillman could be tempted to take profit on his new toy

I haven’t even got it yet to have a proper play with it

 

[startinghandle]

If I was looking for telehandler I would seriously consider new Chinese for a lot less than sh other makes

 

[Dave W]

If I was looking for telehandler I would seriously consider new Chinese for a lot less than sh other makes

Have you ever seen one in the flesh?

 

[startinghandle]

Have you ever seen one in the flesh?

No

 

[Yale]

Same position here.

There seems to be nothing on the market with basic electrics and hydraulics.

Our JCB repair guy who is a man in a van told me don’t touch the 526-56 which would replace our 526s as they are a nightmare with dash faults etc.

You only have to read a few threads on here to get a taste of it.

If JCB made a proper basic stripped down version of the 526-56 with quality electrics and manual levers it would sell like hot cakes.

 

[texelburger]

I think they have sorted the issues out on the latest Merlos.We have a 42.7 which has now covered about 1800 hours without any issues. A neighbour told me he had few of these issues on his latest 32.6 compared to the one he had previously. Perhaps somebody on here would know,better than me,what Merlo may have done to improve reliability.

 

[aled1590]

I recently sat in a new NH machine in dealers yard, it felt far more basic than our 07plate merlo 32.6 so maybe NH/case worth a look?

 

[Wellytrack]

I'd probably bet the best loaders are the 20 year old loaders. 526 S 530/70 etc etc.

Too old for many, but still younger than my 525-58. Which is doing something weird reversing after it gets 30 minutes work at the minute...

 

[NHMatt]

I recently sat in a new NH machine in dealers yard, it felt far more basic than our 07plate merlo 32.6 so maybe NH/case worth a look?

I was about to suggest a New Holland TH- the Classic/Plus models are very straightforward, and a very good machine- vastly underrated!

 

[Steevo]

@ACEngineering

 

[ACEngineering]

@ACEngineering

What's that saying?

If it ain't red leave it in the shed

 

[mf7480]

Same position here.

There seems to be nothing on the market with basic electrics and hydraulics.

Our JCB repair guy who is a man in a van told me don’t touch the 526-56 which would replace our 526s as they are a nightmare with dash faults etc.

You only have to read a few threads on here to get a taste of it.

If JCB made a proper basic stripped down version of the 526-56 with quality electrics and manual levers it would sell like hot cakes.

Farmers always say that, then when a manufacturer offers it, nobody buys it. The reality is the variable 160lpm pumps with high HP engine offer massively improved cycle times. Once you’ve had one, you wouldn’t want to go back. Likewise with the rest of the nice spec, LED lights, boom suspension, joystick control.

 

[Fendtbro]

Farmers always say that, then when a manufacturer offers it, nobody buys it. The reality is the variable 160lpm pumps with high HP engine offer massively improved cycle times. Once you’ve had one, you wouldn’t want to go back. Likewise with the rest of the nice spec, LED lights, boom suspension, joystick control.

Maybe.. but those things don’t really cost the manufacturer much. For the money these things are, they should come with fendt vario box’s so they can go up hills at more than 12 mph! Unless I’ve missed someone already doing it? Electric handbrakes and electric joysticks are just asking for trouble.. the old claas/cat were nice to use on the controls.. hyd servo system?

 

[michael N123]

If I was looking for telehandler I would seriously consider new Chinese for a lot less than sh other makes

 

[Drillman]

Maybe.. but those things don’t really cost the manufacturer much. For the money these things are, they should come with fendt vario box’s so they can go up hills at more than 12 mph! Unless I’ve missed someone already doing it? Electric handbrakes and electric joysticks are just asking for trouble.. the old claas/cat were nice to use on the controls.. hyd servo system?

I’ve used manitou vario a fair bit and wouldn’t have one given, horrid thing. Much prefer my old 627

 

[br jones]

If I was looking for telehandler I would seriously consider new Chinese for a lot less than sh other makes

piles of tat

 

[Fendtbro]

I’ve used manitou vario a fair bit and wouldn’t have one given, horrid thing. Much prefer my old 627

I thought great for yard, slow on road..?

 

[Drillman]

I thought great for yard, slow on road..?

just no feel to the vario I found. Speaking to other folks they say the same.

pulled a loaded bale trailer better than 627 can but did have a 40hp advantage