Q&A: AUSA’s Alberto Ortega Shares Insights on the Growing Compact Telehandler Market

The compact telehandler market continues to slowly heat up, fueled by growing demands for versatile, sustainable equipment that can work efficiently in tight spaces. From urban construction sites to modern farms, these small but powerful machines are finding new applications across North America and beyond. To learn more about the latest trends, technologies and innovations in compact telehandlers, we sat down with Alberto Ortega, commercial director at AUSA — a Spanish-based manufacturing expert for telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts and dedicated dumpers. In this exclusive Q&A, Ortega discusses AUSA’s compact telehandler lineup, what makes their machines unique, the surge of electric models and how evolving customer needs are shaping the future of this dynamic segment.

CE: Alberto, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us today. We’re big fans of the AUSA brand and of its compact telehandler lineup. First off, maybe we can summarize your smallest compact telehandler units offered today. How many units do you offer? Share major features, specs, technologies and options. Break it down for us.

Ortega: AUSA’s compact telehandler range includes five distinct models engineered for versatility and efficiency in challenging terrains. With load capacities ranging from 2,700 to 4,800 lbs and maximum lifting heights between 13 and 16.4 ft, these machines combine a compact footprint with robust performance.

• T144H: An ultra-compact telehandler weighing just 5,570 lbs, ideal for confined job sites and transportable by trailer.
• T164E (Electric): A zero-emission model offering a 3,500-lb capacity and 13.1-ft lift, powered by a 15.5 kWh battery for extended work shifts in sensitive environments such as greenhouses or indoor applications.
• T164H: Designed for superior maneuverability with rear-wheel steering and a gradeability of up to 40%, making it an excellent choice for construction and agricultural tasks.
• T204H and T235H: Sharing 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, adapting to various applications.

Compact telehandlers are gaining traction — especially in urban construction and modern farming — due to their efficiency in confined spaces and lower operating costs and driven by technological advancements, electrification, and sustainability trends

What are AUSA’s major product differentiators? What makes your small telehandlers unique and better than everyone else’s?

The AUSA telehandler range stands apart through its innovative lateral boom positioning, which moves the engine to the rear. This design not only reduces the overall width of the machine but also provides a spacious, ergonomically optimized operator cabin with 360° visibility. Designed to support safe use, lower fuel consumption, and the ability reliably perform on rough terrain rated slope limits are core advantages that distinguish these models from competitors. Manufacturers are focusing on ergonomic design and operator safety tend to achieve higher market penetration, particularly as telematics and automation become increasingly important

How many compact telehandlers do you think were sold in North America in 2024? How many do you think will be sold in 2025? How big is the market in the United States compared to, say, Europe?

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. 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.

Where do these super small telehandlers end up working? What type of applications are popular for compact or subcompact telehandlers?

Compact telehandlers from AUSA are primarily deployed in construction and agriculture. In construction, their tight turning radius and high visibility allow for efficient material handling in congested or elevated sites. In agriculture, these machines enable farmers to maneuver through narrow pathways, handle a variety of attachments, and streamline tasks such as loading, unloading, and moving heavy materials. The rapid interchangeability of attachments further enhances their utility across various sectors.

Farming is big in Europe for small telehandlers. Is that a growing application in America?

While Europe has traditionally dominated the use of compact telehandlers in agriculture, North America is increasingly adopting these machines to address space constraints on modern farms. As farms become more mechanized and demand efficiency to combat labor shortages, compact telehandlers are emerging as a vital asset fueled by innovative attachments and sustainable, low-emission models like the T164E

Small telehandlers are attachment-takers or tool carriers. Tell us about the attachment capabilities of your units. What is the auxiliary flow to attachments? What type of attachment systems are available? What are your most popular attachments?

AUSA telehandlers offer a comprehensive range of attachment options, including buckets, bale forks, clamps and specialized implements. Integrated auxiliary hydraulic lines ensure a continuous flow to power these attachments effectively, thereby increasing the machine’s operational versatility. The system’s quick-connect couplings mean that switching between tasks is swift and seamless — a crucial benefit in dynamic jobsites where downtime must be minimized.

How much does a compact telehandler cost (generally) vs. a full-size compact telehandler?

While precise percentage differences can vary by model and configuration, compact telehandlers generally offer a better cost-to-performance ratio compared to larger machines. Their reduced footprint, lower fuel consumption and minimized overspecification mean that contractors can achieve the necessary performance without incurring the high acquisition and operating costs typical of full-size telehandlers. This efficiency not only reduces upfront costs but also contributes to significant long-term savings in maintenance and operational expenses.

What operation tips can you share when using super small compact telehandlers?

To ensure safety operation and performance, operators should:

• Conduct pre-use inspections (checking tires, hydraulic hoses and grease points)
• Ensure all safety equipment (seat belts, rotating beacons) are properly functioning
• Utilize proper techniques to secure the worksite
• Regularly inspect and maintain the auxiliary hydraulic systems

These practices ensure reliable operation even under challenging conditions and help prevent costly downtime.

Does AUSA offer electric or battery-powered units? Give us all the details.

The T164E is a standout model within AUSA’s range, offering the benefits of zero-emission operation with a 15.5-kWh battery that supports an entire work shift. With 21.2 kW of power, it matches the performance of its diesel counterparts while reducing noise and environmental impact. This model is ideal for indoor or emissions-sensitive applications and aligns with global trends toward sustainable equipment solutions

What other new technologies are evolving in the compact telehandler market today? Side-shift carriages? Telematics?

The compact telehandler market is undergoing a similar transformation than the overall compact machinery sector, with zero-emission technologies leading the way. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing electric and even hydrogen-powered models to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions without compromising performance. These eco-friendly machines offer the same lifting capacity and off-road capabilities as their internal combustion counterparts, while delivering lower operating costs, reduced maintenance and the ability to work indoors or in emissions-sensitive environments.

In addition to electrification, advancements like integrated telematics systems are becoming standard, allowing operators and fleet managers to monitor performance, optimize machine usage and reduce downtime.

What advice would you give a contractor looking to buy or rent a super small telehandler?

Beyond understanding immediate project requirements, contractors should evaluate the long-term adaptability of a telehandler. Look for models with quick-attach systems and a wide range of compatible attachments — this transforms a single machine into a multi-functional asset, maximizing the return on investment.

What trends do you see in the compact telehandler market overall? Are buyers gravitating toward certain sizes or technologies? Are there certain regions where sales are increasing or decreasing? What interesting evolutions do you see in the market and the near future?

The compact telehandler market is evolving rapidly. Key trends include:

• Increased adoption of electric-powered models driven by environmental regulations
• Integration of telematics to enhance operational efficiency
• Rising demand in emerging markets, particularly in urban construction and modern agriculture

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Just a reminder. Since September 2024, AUSA has been part of Oshkosh Corporation’s Access Equipment division, a strategic move to accelerate the company’s growth and bolster the equipment portfolio of JLG.

Great reminder and great info overall. Thanks so much for your time, Alberto. For more info on AUSA, visit their website at ausa.com.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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