Bobcat and Massey Ferguson Launch Rivals to JCB Telehandler

Agricultural giant Massey Ferguson and American compact machine manufacturer Bobcat have both released new telehandlers, seen as a bid to tackle the rising popularity of the jcb telehandler in the US.

JCB have long dominated the telehandler market with a vast variety of telehandlers for different applications, and the new vehicles from Massey and Bobcat are a clear effort to beat JCB on the American market, where both brands are strong and established.

Massey Ferguson's new MF 9000 series consists of three new models ranging from 100hp to 130hp - the MF 9306, 9407, and 9407S. The 9306 has 3t lift and 6m reach whereas the 9407 has 3.5t lift and 7m reach. The 9407S has the same lift as the 9407, but a larger engine for more demanding tasks like handling straw.

Each is fitted with a Perkins four-cylinder engine, and gets a two range 40kph hydrostatic transmission. The new boom configuration has a low rear pivot point for better visibility and hydraulics are supplied by a 190litres/min closed centre load sensing pump.

JCB have recently developed and built telehandlers with agricultural applications in mind, and Massey Ferguson appear to be retaliating with their own machines, hoping to appeal to farmer's strong brand loyalty to MF products. The latest jcb telehandler, the 515-40, was promoted as the smallest ever made and its outdoors-indoors cross functionality is marketed to appeal to agricultural operators.

Bobcat will be showing its new TR50210 rotary telehandler for the first time at the Samoter expo in Verona, Italy in March.

The TR50210 is one of four new rotating telehandlers from Bobcat, complementing the company's existing range of 12 rigid frame telehandlers. The new 360° and 400° rotating models offer lifting capacities from 3,5 to 5,0 tonnes and lifting heights from 15,7 to 24,5 m.

JCB have already secured two separate £14 million deals since the start of the year, and show no signs of slowing down. Several industry expos are scheduled for this year, and will surely indicate the manufacturers most likely to capitalise on the gradual recovery of the construction industry.