Used Telehandlers Hold Value

These versatile machines can do many jobs around the farm - and might even replace your skid steer or forklift.

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Ever since JCB invented the telehandler in 1977, the machine has proven to be handy on farms and in construction.

More nimble than a forklift and faster than a skid steer, it can be used for a variety of agricultural tasks.

"For livestock producers, handling bedding, feed, and hay are big uses; here in Pennsylvania, there is a lot of poultry, and farmers use them to move a lot of litter," said Gary Hauseman, sales manager for Hoober Equipment in the eastern Keystone State. "People also use them to move fertilizer, and for general maintenance, like tree trimming and snow removal."

He said prices have remained steady, with constant demand for good used machines.

"We have some customers who put lots of hours on, running them daily, 300-400 hours or more per year," Hauseman added. "Most of our units are coming from ag and going back to ag."

Recent Sales Data

A search of model year 2022 and newer telehandlers sold on machinerytrader.com found 3,814 listings, with an average auction price of $104,903. The highest listed price was $1,133,615, for a 2023 Manitou MHT12330 in Illinois with 233 hours; and the lowest was $45,500, for a 2022 Genie GTH5519 in Texas with 423 hours.

The most popular manufacturers sold were Sky Trak (675), JLG (535), Manitou (381), JCB (337), and Genie (299).

Hauseman noted that machines coming in with 4,000-5,000 hours tend to sell for about half the new price.

Features to Look For

There is a difference in ag telehandlers and construction or rental telehandlers, said Stephen Grant, a JCB product specialist.