Compact Telehandler Buying Guide: What to Know in 2025

Top Compact Telehandler Models for Construction, Landscaping and More

Compact telehandlers continue to gain traction across a wide variety of American sectors — construction, landscaping, farming and rental — due to their ability to take attachments, move quickly and precisely place materials in high places while maneuvering around confined jobsites. These machines combine the reach and lifting power of full-sized telehandlers with the compact footprint and maneuverability needed for urban projects, small jobsites and even indoor applications. Plus, they just look awesome — like little dune buggies with long, telescoping arms.

“These versatile machines can complete many tasks on jobsites, like loading and unloading, picking up, carrying around, moving from place to place and lifting and placing materials and tools,” says John Boehme, senior product manager of telehandlers at JLG. “Because of their size and ability to easily maneuver jobsites, the applications for compact telehandlers vary from the initial phases of a project, where the equipment can be found unloading trucks and delivering materials, to where they can be utilized for jobsite cleanup, indoor applications, landscaping as well as ongoing maintenance of both new and existing infrastructure.”

A compact telehandler also blends the lifting power of a full-sized telehandler with the agility and versatility of a skid steer. Whether you’re looking to purchase a compact telehandler for long-term use or rent one for today’s project, let’s explore some considerations to help you make an informed decision — especially when considering the smallest compact telehandlers on the market in 2025.

Overview of the Compact Telehandler Market

As with all equipment, purchasing or renting a compact telehandler requires careful evaluation of jobsite parameters, project tasks, buying vs. renting value propositions and important brand and model differentiators. Lift height and capacity are among the first considerations. Compact telehandlers typically offer lifting heights between 13 and 20 ft, with load capacities ranging from 2,700 to 5,500 lbs. These all-terrain machines can be equipped with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, fast travel speeds, cool cab and tech options and the ability to take hydraulic attachments off the boom. This style of small telehandler is more popular in Europe (especially on farms), but this category continues to grow among American contractors.

“According to industry associations, 544 telehandlers — with a lift height under 16.4 ft — were sold in North America in 2024, compared to approximately 2,000 units in Europe,” explains Alberto Ortega, commercial director of AUSA, a Spanish-based equipment maker recently acquired by JLG. “The disparity is largely driven by Europe’s denser urban environments, where smaller machines are essential. However, North America is witnessing growing interest in compact telehandlers as infrastructure projects increasingly demand versatile, cost-effective equipment, and governments and private companies invest heavily in construction and agricultural modernization.”

Compact telehandlers often offer three steering modes — four-wheel, two-wheel and crab steering. Crab steering enables lateral movement without rotating the machine, ideal for working in confined spaces or aligning loads with precision. Units also have hydrostatic transmissions, speeds up to 15 mph and tight turning radii (like 11 ft plus or minus). The ergonomics of the operator environment and the comfort of a compact telehandler’s cab are helping with its rising popularity. Posh enclosed cabs, heated and ventilated seats, backup cameras, digital displays, steering wheels, advanced joystick controls and automation tech from self-leveling to load stability indicators all add to the appeal of owning or operating a compact telehandler.

“Skyjack’s telehandler series feature Flexcab, an innovative cab design that allows fleet operators to easily convert between open and enclosed cabs with simple hand tools, providing increased flexibility for fleet movement and fast response to customer demands,” says Malcolm Early, VP of marketing at Skyjack. “Easily sourced flat glass panels with no custom curved profiles and a bolt-on/bolt-off window retention system ensure minimal downtime and incurred costs for repairing damaged glass in the field.”

Transport, Boom Lift and Telematics

Transportability is also key, as some subcompact models are light enough to be towed with a standard pickup and trailer, making them ideal for contractors who frequently move between jobsites. There seems to be a split in the market with sizes for bigger compact models reaching 18 to 20+ ft and super small subcompacts reaching 13 to 16 ft+. In both categories, buyers can choose between traditional diesel-powered models and emerging electric telehandlers, which provide zero emissions and lower maintenance costs. Pros should also compare warranties, service plans and telematics capabilities, which can enhance machine monitoring and maintenance scheduling.

“These machines feature telematics and all of the other technological innovations you find in modern equipment today,” explains Steve Kiskunas, product manager of telescopic handlers for Manitou. “AI is top of mind for everyone right now, and we actually offer an AI pedestrian detection system on these machines that take site safety up a notch from just backup cameras and excellent machine visibility. These machines generally work in confined spaces by their nature — which makes it even more important to also be aware of workers who might be in the area. The AI detection system gives the operator another tool to improve jobsite awareness and ensure safety for all. “

Unlike their larger variants, compact telehandlers are also focused on using attachments (from brooms to buckets), as well as pick-and-place staples like pallet forks.

Focus on Attachments

Compact telehandlers are much more than simple lifting machines. They can be equipped with a wide range of attachments to enhance jobsite productivity. In fact, many compact telehandlers feature universal skid steer couplers, allowing them to use some of the same attachments you might already have for your skid or track loader.

“JCB’s compact telehandlers are designed as true tool carriers,” confirms Lee Tice, product manager at JCB. “We offer high-flow auxiliary hydraulics — typically ranging from 18 to 32 gal per minute. These machines provide ample power for hydraulic attachments. To maximize efficiency, JCB telehandlers feature multiple coupling options. The JCB Q-Fit system allows for rapid attachment swaps, while universal skid steer couplers ensure compatibility with industry-standard tools. Many models also come equipped with hydraulic quick couplers, enabling operators to change attachments without leaving the cab, reducing downtime and improving productivity.”

The first questions when considering attachments are: How much weight will you be lifting, and how high or far do you need to lift it? Those questions will make sure you select a machine with enough capacity and reach. Every telehandler has a load chart detailing its maximum safe lifting capacity at different boom angles and extensions, factoring in attachment weight and stability considerations. It’s also essential to understand the auxiliary hydraulic flow to the attachment, which is measured in flow (gallons per minute or gpm) and pressure (psi). Once you’ve selected a telehandler with the right capacity and flow, you’ll be able to determine what attachments are compatible with that machine. Also, ask about unique attachment technology.

“Bobcat telehandlers offer an advanced attachment control model, which allows operators to control the engine and travel speed separately for full auxiliary hydraulic performance,” says Ryan Saunders, senior marketing specialist with Bobcat Co. “Operators can set drive speed increments from 1 to 99 for the ideal combination of attachment performance and machine control. The engine rpm can be increased with the engine speed lever to maximize attachment productivity.”

Some common attachments are multipurpose and grapple buckets, different sizes of forks and lifting hooks. Multipurpose bucket attachments can be used to move loose, unpalletized material like dirt, sand, gravel or mulch. Grapple buckets use hydraulically operated jaws to grip and clamp down on heaped loads or hard-to-handle materials, like tree branches, landscaping material or demolition debris.

There are (of course) tons of different fork and carriage sizes and varieties. Masonry work, for example, generally needs narrow forks and a narrow carriage, while framers typically are better served with a wide carriage and wider forks. Side-tilt carriages can position the load properly for transport across uneven terrain and can also pick or place loads that are not on a level surface. Side-swing carriages provide offset placement of the load in angles from 50 to 90 degrees on each side from the center. Fork-positioning carriages offer a powered means to situate the forks at the correct spread for palletized loads, without leaving the cab. A 180-degree swing carriage can permit maneuvering of loads through openings and tight spaces, like windows and scaffolding.

There’s more. Truss boom attachments can be used to lift and place longer, bulky objects like roof trusses, beams and poles. Augers are ideal for digging fence post holes and foundational work. The list goes on and on.

Some of the Smallest Compact Telehandlers on the Market

Several manufacturers offer compact telehandlers designed for tight spaces and versatile job applications. These machines provide the necessary power and maneuverability for jobsites that require precise lifting and placement capabilities.

Skyjack’s SJ519 TH

Skyjack’s SJ519 TH is its most compact model available, offering a maximum lift height of 19 ft, 1 in., and a lift capacity of 5,500 lbs. This telehandler weighs 10,500 lbs and features Skyjack’s Flexdrive system, allowing for precise control by reducing drive speed while maintaining full hydraulic performance. With an outside turning radius of 125 in. and a ground clearance of 11 in., this machine is built to navigate tight areas efficiently. A new dual-tilt compensation cylinder design improves load distribution.

Bobcat’s TL519

Bobcat’s TL519 is another strong competitor, designed for high productivity with a maximum lift height of 232 in. (19 ft, 4 in.) and a 5,500-lb lift capacity. Powered by a 74-hp diesel engine, it delivers ample power for demanding tasks. With its rugged frame and stability, the TL519 is ideal for construction, agriculture and material handling applications. At just 6 ft wide, this unit has a ground clearance of 9.8 in., an overall stowed height of 6 ft, 4 in. and an overall length (less forks) of 13 ft, 5 in.

JLG’s E313 and Skyjack 3013

JLG is making waves in the compact telehandler market with the E313, an electric telehandler that provides zero-emissions operation. With a lift height of 13 ft, 1 in., and a maximum lift capacity of 3,500 lbs, this machine is ideal for indoor jobsites and noise-sensitive environments. It features an 18.6-kWh battery system that supports up to four hours of continuous operation, making it a game-changer in sustainable equipment solutions. For ultra-compact applications, JLG’s SkyTrak 3013 weighs just 5,300 lbs and features a 13-ft lift height with a 2,700-lb capacity. This telehandler is highly maneuverable with a compact 4-ft, 6-in. width and a rear pivot steer design, making it perfect for confined jobsites like parking garages and urban construction projects.

AUSA Has Five Compact Models!

AUSA’s compact telehandler range includes five distinct models. With load capacities ranging from 2,700 to 4,800 lbs and max lifting heights between 13 and 16.4 ft, these machines combine a compact footprint with robust performance. The T144H is ultra-compact telehandler weighing just 5,570 lbs, transportable by trailer. The T164E Electric is a zero-emissions model offering a 3,500-lb capacity and 13-ft, 1-in. lift height, powered by a 15.5-kWh battery. The T164H is designed for superior maneuverability with rear-wheel steering and a gradeability of up to 40 percent, making it an excellent choice for construction and ag. The T204H and T235H share a common platform. These models extend the range with capacities up to 4,800 lbs and lifting heights of 16.4 ft. Their advanced four-wheel steering (including crab mode) and quick-connect couplings allow for rapid attachment changes.

Manitou Has Four Compact Models!

Manitou manufactures four machines that fit in this category: the ULM 412, ULM 415, MTA 519 and MLT 625. The MTA 519 is the newest and is extremely compact at 5 ft, 11 in. wide and 6 ft, 4 in. tall, with an excellent tight turning radius of 10 ft, 10 in. The MTA 519 retains excellent operating capacities, including a maximum load capacity of 5,500 lbs, a 19-ft, 1-in. maximum working height and outreach of up to 11 ft, 2 in. for loading and unloading materials on the second floor of a structure. It also features five different tire options and a ground clearance of 13 in. An all-new electrified Manitou compact telehandler will be introduced to the North American market in Q4 2025.

JCB’s 505-20E and 505-20TC

JCB’s 505-20E and 505-20TC deliver the lift capacity and maneuverability expected from a JCB telehandler but in a smaller package. The 505-20E is JCB’s first fully electric compact telehandler, part of the E-Tech range designed for zero emissions. Powered by a 24-kW-hour lithium-ion battery, the machine lifts up to 5,500 lbs and reaches 20 ft high. The traditional diesel-powered 505-20TC boasts a 74-hp JCB Diesel by Kohler engine. Like its electric sibling, it has a 5,500-lb lift capacity and a 20-ft maximum lift height, making it a great fit for a range of industries, from general construction to agriculture and material handling.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.