Telehandlers—short for telescopic handlers—are a type of material handling equipment that can lift and move loads forwards, backwards, and side to side with a single-arm telescopic boom. They are compatible with a variety of attachments and commonly used in landscaping, agricultural, and construction applications.
Telehandlers are often compared to both forklifts and skid steers. However, they are more versatile than forklifts, which can only lift loads vertically and typically don’t reach as high.
Likewise, skid steers have a more limited range of motion than telehandlers. However, they can make zero-radius turns if you need to maneuver in small spaces. They are also better for excavating and land clearing tasks. You might opt for a telehandler instead of a skid steer if you need additional reach for loading and lifting tasks.
When choosing a telehandler for your jobsite, make sure you consider both the size and the level of mobility you’re looking for. The machines can be fixed, with stationary cabs and telescoping boom lifts, or rotating, with moving cabs and arms. They also come in two sizes: full size and compact. Full size telehandlers have higher lift capacities and lift heights, while compact telehandlers are more maneuverable, making them better for work in tight spaces.
In this post, we rank the smallest telehandler brands on the market by their operating weight. We’ll also go over ther important specs like maximum lift capacity, maximum lifting height, forward reach, and standing height (the height from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the cab).
Before we get into it, here’s a quick overview of our top nine:
Telehandler Model | Operating weight (lb) | Max lift height | Country of origin |
Kramer 804 | 5,005 | 13 feet 7 inches | Germany |
SkyTrak 3013 | 5,280 | 13 feet 1 inch | United States |
Manitou SLT415 Evolution | 5,556 | 13 feet 1 inch | France |
Manitou ULM 412 H | 6,063 | 14 feet 1 inch | France |
Gehl GCT 3-14 | 6,063 | 14 feet 1 inch | United States |
JCB 514-40 | 6,427 | 13 feet 3 inches | United States |
Kramer KT144 | 7,386 | 14 feet 1 inch | Germany |
Manitou MT 420 | 9,392 | 14 feet 3 inches | France |
Bobcat TL25.60 | 9,476 | 19 feet 5 inches | United States |
One important consideration specific to telehandlers is that they lose lift capacity as you extend the load away from the vehicle. This lower capacity helps prevent the vehicle from tipping. The load capacity at max reach is a measurement that determines the heaviest load you can carry at the longest length it can reach. The most accurate way to determine this is to read the load chart for the specific telehandler you plan to use.
1. Kramer 804
The world’s smallest telehandler is the Kramer 804. With an operating weight of only 5,005 lb, it’s the smallest close-quarters vehicle the company produces. Its compact size gives it superior maneuverability, with an inner turning radius of only 595 mm. It’s also equipped with hydrostatic all-wheel drive to handle diverse terrain, and reaches travel speeds of up to 17 km/h.
Specs
- Operating weight: 5,005 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 1,764 lb
- Maximum lift height: 13 feet 7 inches
- Maximum forward reach: unlisted
- Load at max reach: 882 lb
2. SkyTrak 3013
The next smallest telehandler is the SkyTrak 3013. With an operating weight of 5,280 lb, this ultra-compact machine is designed to work in tight spaces and challenging environments, with the ability to reach into truck beds and trailers as well as over obstacles. Features like four-wheel drive, with two-wheel rear pivot power steering, and an oscillating rear axle help keep the vehicle stable and secure as it works.
Specs
- Operating weight: 5,280 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 7 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 2,700 lb
- Maximum lift height: 13 feet 1 inch
- Maximum forward reach: 7 feet 1 inch
- Load at max reach: 1,200 lb
3. Manitou SLT 415 Evolution
Next on our list is Manitou’s SLT 415 Evolution. This telehandler has an operating weight of 5,556 lb. Despite its small size, it boasts an impressive lift capacity of 3,307 lb, as well as an incredible lift height of 13 feet and 1 inch, making it suitable for jobs that require high reach or work at various levels. It’s also equipped with three-wheel drive and a service brake on its front wheels for operator safety.
Specs
- Operating weight: 5,556 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 3,307 lb
- Maximum lift height: 13 feet 1 inch
- Maximum forward reach: 7 feet
- Load at max reach: 1,433 lb
4. Manitou ULM 412 H
Another offering from Manitou, the ULM 412 H has an operating weight of 6,063 lb. This compact machine is built for maneuverability, offering three steering modes: two-wheel for travel, four-wheel for tight spaces and rough terrain, and crab mode for lateral movement. It’s compatible with several different attachments, making it useful on a variety of jobsites, and its design offers easy access to the engine and fuel tank for convenient maintenance.
Specs
- Operating weight: 6,063 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 4 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 2,756 lb
- Maximum lift height: 14 feet 1 inch
- Maximum forward reach: 8 feet 7 inches
- Load at max reach: 990 lb
5. Gehl GCT 3-14
Next on our list is the Gehl GCT 3-14. This 6,063-lb telehandler is built for versatility, with an impressive maximum lift height of 14 feet and 1 inch and a forward reach capacity of 8 feet and 7 inches. Its powerful auxiliary hydraulics make it adaptable for a variety of attachments and uses. It’s also equipped with an automatic parking brake, multi-function joystick controls, and a polycarbonate roof window for enhanced operator comfort and safety.
Specs
- Operating weight: 6,063 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 4 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 2,758 lb
- Maximum lift height: 14 feet 1 inch
- Maximum forward reach: 8 feet 7 inches
- Load at max reach: 992 lb
6. JCB 514-40
Clocking in at 6,427 lb, the JCB 514-40 is touted as the most comfortable compact telehandler on the market. Despite having a ground clearance of only six feet, this compact vehicle has the largest cab in its class, providing better visibility and easy vehicle access. The machine runs on an easily serviced, low maintenance 19kW engine with no DPF.
Specs
- Operating weight: 6,427 lb
- Standing height: 5 feet 11 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 3,087 lb
- Maximum lift height: 13 feet 3 inches
- Maximum forward reach: 8 feet 3 inches
- Load at max reach: 1,157 lb
7. Kramer KT144
Another offering from Kramer, the KT144 telehandler has an operating weight 7,386 lb. Like other Kramer vehicles, its compact design and power-to-weight ratio make the machine capable of providing significant power, even while working in limited spaces. The KT144 cab is equipped with 360-degree visibility, a smart-handling feature, and color-coded toggle switches to promote ease of use and operator safety.
Specs
- Operating weight: 7,386 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 6 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 3,197 lb
- Maximum lift height: 14 feet 1 inch
- Maximum forward reach: 7 feet 6 inches
- Load at max reach: 1,598 lb
8. Manitou MT 420 H
Manitou makes our list again with its MT 420 H, a compact vehicle with an operating weight of 9,392 lb. Its narrow turning radius and adjustable steering modes (including four-wheel drive for off-road applications) make it suitable for work in confined spaces. Its 56-horsepower engine and two-speed hydrostatic transmission give it a capacity for power that rivals much larger machines. A versatile boom-head design allows the machine to lift and extend simultaneously.
Specs
- Operating weight: 9,392 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 6 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 4,409 lb
- Maximum lift height: 14 feet 3 inches
- Maximum forward reach: 8 feet 8 inches
- Load at max reach: 1,984 lb
9. Bobcat TL25.60
Last on our list is the Bobcat TL25.60. The biggest of the small telehandlers, this compact machine has an operating weight of 9,476 lb. Its hydrostatic transmission helps make movements both powerful and precise, maximizing operational uptime. It’s also equipped with features to promote ease of use and safety, like its intuitive layout, all-in-one joystick, flex control, electronic battery disconnection, and ability to shift from smooth drive to dynamic drive.
Specs
- Operating weight (unladen): 9,476 lb
- Standing height: 6 feet 10 inches
- Maximum lift capacity: 5,512 lb
- Maximum lift height: 19 feet 5 inches
- Maximum forward reach: 10 feet 10 inches
- Load at max reach: 1,764 lb
Compact Telehandlers vs. Skid Steers
As mentioned above, telehandlers are often compared with skid steers because they perform similar functions. To help determine which vehicle is right for you, here are some of the key differences between these machines:
- Lifting vs. clearing debris: Telehandlers are generally built for lifting, while skid steers are built for clearing. Telehandlers are equipped with an extendable boom, extending above and in front of the cab. This allows them to lift materials to a higher elevation, or pull materials down from tall heights. Skid steers, on the other hand, usually use buckets to clear debris, and can haul or transport it away.
- Lifting height: Due to their telescopic boom design, telehandlers can generally lift significantly higher than skid steers. Skid steers are built for clearing or excavating materials more than they are for lifting.
- Type of attachments used: Telehandlers and skid steers share some types of attachments, while others are unique to each machine. Common telehandler attachments include pallet forks, crane jibs, buckets, and work cages. Common skid steer attachments include backhoes, pallet forks, bale spears, brush cutters, grapples, trenchers, and augers. Though there is some overlap, generally, the attachments used on each machine support their primary functions—for telehandlers, working at height, and for skid steers, working on the ground.
Need to Rent a Telehandler?
If you’re looking for a telehandler to rent, you’ve come to the right place. With machines that range from 5,000 lb to 20,000 lb in lift capacity, BigRentz has the equipment for any jobsite’s needs.