JLG Keeps Focus on Ag-Ready Telehandlers: Why Farmers Should Take Notice

Telehandlers aren’t new to farming — at least not in Europe. Compact telehandlers have long been a favorite on European farms thanks to their ability to lift, reach and run attachments with agility. In North America, however, the story has been different. Americans in general tend to favor large telehandlers designed as pick-and-place machines, not smaller tool carriers. But that’s starting to change. JLG recently announced a full line of agriculture-focused telehandlers built for farm work, not just construction jobs. From a recent JLG press release:

“Telehandlers have become an essential tool in modern agriculture,” said Rob Barger, Product Manager – Telehandlers, JLG Agriculture. “By leveraging our engineering expertise, we’ve designed JLG Ag telehandlers to be purpose-built for farm work — durable, multipurpose machines that help farmers enhance productivity.”

Why Europe Leads in Compact Telehandlers

In Europe, compact telehandlers are common in barns, feedlots and fields. Smaller farms and denser environments make versatile equipment a necessity. Instead of using multiple machines for lifting, loading and towing, farmers rely on a single compact telehandler with attachments. North American farmers haven’t adopted compact models at the same pace. Big operations often prefer skid steers, track loaders and wheel loaders for moving hay bales or stacking pallets. Smaller telehandler models are sometimes overlooked, even though they offer agility and multi-tool versatility.

What Makes a Telehandler Farm-Ready

Telehandlers shine when the job calls for reach and lifting power in tight spaces. A telescoping boom lets operators place products over fences or stack materials high in barns. Attachments multiply the value. Quick-coupler systems mean operators can swap tools without leaving the cab. Ag-ready features also matter. JLG sent us this list:

• Telescopic boom design for higher lift capabilities and greater forward reach, making it easier to stack hay bales, load feed mixers or place materials over fences and trailers.
• High-capacity load handling with reinforced chassis, optimized weight distribution and hydraulic load-sensing systems for efficient, stable lifting of bulk feed, hay bales and other heavy materials.
• Versatile attachment integration allows one machine to perform multiple jobs with forks, buckets, grapples, augers and more. Hydraulic couplers allow the operator to switch tools without leaving the cab.
• Precision control systems ensure smooth operation when handling delicate materials, such as hay bales or pallets of seed.
• Rugged build for harsh agricultural conditions with reversing fans, sealed components, heavy-duty tires and corrosion-resistant materials.
• Operator-centered design includes climate-controlled cabs, ergonomic controls, panoramic visibility and advanced stability systems for safety and comfort.

JLG’s Agriculture Lineup

JLG now offers five ag-specific telehandlers:

• AG313: Compact, 3,500-lb capacity, 13-ft lift height
• AG519: Mid-size, 5,000-lb capacity, 19-ft lift height
• AG823: Heavy-duty, 8,000-lb capacity, 23-ft lift height
• AG832: Extended reach, 8,000-lb capacity, 32-ft lift height
• AG925: High-capacity, 9,000-lb capacity, 25-ft lift height

Compact units use a skid steer coupler for attachment compatibility. Larger models use a hydraulic quick coupler. That flexibility reduces equipment costs for farmers who already own skid steer tools.

Why Farmers Should Pay Attention

Telehandlers can replace multiple machines on a farm. They load, lift, tow and carry with one platform. Their reach is an advantage over tractors, while their ability to handle attachments rivals skid steers. In an era of labor shortages and rising costs, efficiency matters. A telehandler reduces machine overlap and increases versatility across daily chores. As JLG builds out its agriculture dealer network, American farmers may finally catch up to their European counterparts. Compact telehandlers offer power, reach and flexibility in one package — making them strong candidates for barns, fields and feedlots across North America.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

Check out our Machine Heads video detailing John Deere’s 334 P-Tier skid steer and 335 P-Tier track loader.