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On the Farm: The Engineering Behind JLG® Agriculture Telehandlers

Jul 09, 2025

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Telehandlers have become an essential tool in modern agriculture, offering a combination of lifting power, reach, and versatility that traditional farm equipment lacks.

But, what makes telehandlers particularly well-suited for farm operations?

JLG, a company with decades of experience in material handling, has leveraged its engineering expertise to develop telehandlers specifically tailored to the demands of agriculture. Let’s explore the key design and engineering features that make JLG® Agriculture telehandlers effective in farming environments.

JLG Ag Telehandlers at a glance

1. Telescopic Boom Design for Increased Reach

Unlike traditional loaders, telehandlers are equipped with a telescopic boom, which extends outward and upward. This design provides:

  • Higher lift capabilities for stacking hay bales, loading feed into a mixer and accessing hard-to-reach areas
  • Greater forward reach, allowing operators to place materials over fences, trailers, or obstacles without needing to reposition the machine
  • Improved efficiency in storage management, enabling farmers to stack materials more effectively

JLG engineers have optimized boom design for strength and stability, ensuring efficient lifting even when fully extended.

2. High-Capacity Load Handling

Farm operations require moving heavy loads, from bulk feed to large hay bales. JLG Ag telehandlers are designed with:

  • Reinforced chassis and lifting components to handle high-capacity loads
  • Optimized weight distribution to prevent tipping, even with extended reach
  • Hydraulic load-sensing system to maintain stability and support safety when carrying and placing different materials

This engineering focus ensures that farmers can transport materials efficiently while minimizing strain on the machine.

3. Versatile Attachment Integration

One of the most significant advantages of telehandlers is their ability to adapt to multiple tasks through the use of attachments. JLG Ag telehandlers are designed with:

  • Couplers for use with forks, buckets, grapples, augers and other attachments
  • 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.

By allowing a single machine to perform multiple jobs, JLG Ag telehandlers reduce the need for additional equipment on the farm.

4. Rugged Build for Harsh Agricultural Conditions

Farm environments expose machinery to dirt, dust, mud and extreme weather. JLG engineers have designed Ag telehandlers with:

  • A reversing fan to blow debris, dust and crop residue out of the radiator, air intake screens and other engine cooling components
  • Sealed components and reinforced undercarriage to protect against debris and moisture.
  • Heavy-duty tires that provide floatation, along with all-terrain suspension for reliable operation, in muddy, snowy or uneven conditions
  • Corrosion-resistant materials help withstand exposure to fertilizers, chemicals and rough outdoor conditions

This durability ensures that telehandlers maintain performance and longevity in demanding agricultural settings.

5. Operator-Centered Design for Safety and Comfort

Long hours in the field require safe and comfortable equipment for operators. JLG Ag telehandlers include:

  • Enclosed, climate-controlled cabs for year-round comfort
  • Ergonomic controls for reduced operator fatigue
  • Panoramic visibility for maneuvering around livestock, buildings and other equipment
  • Advanced stability systems, including sensors and alerts that provide additional aid during challenging tasks

By prioritizing operator experience, JLG helps farm workers to operate efficiently while minimizing the risk of accidents.

Purpose-Built for Farm Tasks

JLG Ag telehandlers stand out in agriculture due to their engineered design, which prioritizes reach, lifting power, durability and versatility. With features specifically tailored for farm tasks, such as telescopic booms, high-capacity load handling and all-terrain durability, these machines offer a valuable alternative to traditional farm equipment.

As agricultural operations continue to evolve, the engineering behind JLG Ag telehandlers makes sure these versatile machines are a reliable, efficient, and suitable solution for farmers looking to enhance productivity.

For more information about JLG agriculture telehandlers, visit JLGagriculture.com.

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Rob Barger
Product Manager – Telehandlers, JLG Agriculture

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