Telehandler FAQs​

We answer some of the most commonly asked telehandler FAQs

We Answer Your Telehandler FAQs

We address your telehandler FAQs, providing straightforward answers to common queries regarding their operation and safety.

Yes, you need a valid driving licence to operate a telehandler on the road in the United Kingdom. Please also make sure that you comply with all four points outlined below before driving a telehandler on the road.

The operator/driver needs to have a valid UK driving licence.
The telehandler needs to be registered and taxed with the DVLA. See current DVLA rates of vehicle tax here.

You are required to insure your telehandler for road use. You can either add the telehandler to your existing policy as an “extra“ or insure it on a separate policy.

The operator/driver needs to be competent and trained on how to use the telehandler and have read and understood the operator’s manual.

Plant Hire Tip:

You are not legally required to have a NPORS or CPCS Telescopic Handler A17 Wheeled ticket to operate a telehandler on private land however it is required on a construction site.

Checklist: 

  1. You require a valid UK Driving Licence.
  2. The telehandler must be registered and Taxed with the DVLA.

Please see the .gov website for more information below:

Link to the .GOV website re license

.GOV re vehicle tax

A 17–metre telehandler is approximately 5.6 metres tall. The overall height of a JCB 540-170 telehandler is 2.69m which does not take flashing beacons into account, which are usually located on the top of the cab. 

JCB 540-170Dimensions
Overall Height2.69m
Overall Width2.44m
Length to Carnage6.36m
Ground Clearance0.4m
Turn Radius4.10m
Wheelbase2.75m
Weight12060kg
Maximum Payload4000kg
Maximum Lift Height16.7m
Lift capacity to full height2500kg
Lift capacity at full reach800kg
Placing Height11.7m
Reach at maximum lift height1.97m
Fuel TypeDiesel
Fuel Tank Capacity146L
Noise Level75LP(A)
Tyres5.5/80-24

*Dimensions are subject to change.

Visit JCB’s website.

The cost of hiring a telehandler depends on the size of the telehandler, the length of the contract, and delivery and insurance costs. The weekly rate of a telehandler starts at roughly £250.00 per week, excluding, fuel, insurance delivery, and operator costs.

You will need to consider the job or range of jobs the telehandler will be used for, the lifting height needed, the weight of loads to be moved, and the ground surface of the work area.

If you are unsure, your plant hire company can recommend the most appropriate equipment for the application and conditions.

Yes, you will need to purchase a plant hire insurance policy to cover the equipment you are hiring.

The hirer is responsible for the hired in telehandler from the moment it is delivered to you or collected from the hirer’s premises.

Additionally, you must store hired telehandler equipment safely and securely for the duration of the hire contract.

In the event of theft or damage to your hired in plant, you should contact your insurer and the plant company immediately. If the plant is stolen you should also report the incident to the police.

No, usually not, as you commonly will not need to hire additional telehandler attachments for most basic lifting and carrying duties.

However, crane jib attachments can be useful for particularly heavy loads, distributing their weight more evenly and buckets are useful for moving loose loads of aggregates.

Plan ahead of time and understand your site requirements, as the correct telehandler attachment can save you both time and money.

There are many reasons to hire a telehandler rather than a traditional forklift or skid steer loader.

Telehandlers are versatile and can easily perform the roles of both machines and more. They can easily place and retrieve loads at heights greater than either.

Telehandlers are more maneuverable and can work on a multitude of surfaces and travel by road. Their three steering modes allow normal two-wheel drive, turning in tight circles and driving sideways into confined spaces.

Combined with a wide variety of attachments, telehandlers are suited to more roles on-site, than almost any other piece of plant machinery.

Try Our Free Telehandler Inspection Checklist

Uncover the Essential Information: We Answer Your Plant Hire Customer Questions and Show You What to Ask Your Potential Plant Hire Company.

JCB's Range of Telehandlers and Specifications

JCB Telehandler Specifications
 Model Lift Height   Lift Capacity Lift Capacity at Full Height Lift Capacity at Full Reach Max Forward Reach
525-60E 6.0 m  2,500 kg  2000 kg 720 kg 3.5 m 
514-40
4.0 m 
1,400 kg  1300 kg 525 kg 2.51 m 
525-60 Hi Viz 6.0 m  2,500 kg  2000 kg 720 kg 3.06 m 
531-70 7.0 m  3,100 kg  2400 kg 1250 kg 3.7 m 
541-70 7.0 m  4,100 kg  2500 kg 1500 kg 3.7 m 
535-95 9.5 m  3,500 kg  1600 kg 500 kg 6.52 m 
533-105 10.22 m  3,300 kg  1000 kg 375 kg 6.94 m 
535-125 HI-VIZ 12.27 m  3,500 kg  3200 kg 1200 kg 8.06 m 
540-140 HI-VIZ 13.78 m  4,000 kg  3000 kg  1250 kg 9.7 m 
540-170 16.7 m  4,000 kg  2500 kg 800 kg 9.7 m 
540-180 Hi-Viz 17.51 m  4,000 kg  2500 kg 550 kg 13.34 m 
540-200 20.0 m  4,000 kg  1500 kg 200 kg 15.9 m 
 Model Operating Weight Stabilisers Travel Speed Power Type Max. Engine Power
525-60E 5,145 kg  No 15 kph  Electric 24kWh
514-40 2,915 kg  No 15 kph  Diesel 19 kW 
525-60 Hi Viz 5,490 kg  No 25 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
531-70 7,060 kg  No 33 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
541-70 7,850 kg  No 33 kph  Diesel 81 kW 
535-95 8,215 kg  No 33 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
533-105 8,850 kg  Yes 33 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
535-125 HI-VIZ 10,066 kg  Yes 29 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
540-140 HI-VIZ 10,880 kg  Yes 29 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
540-170 12,060 kg  Yes 29 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
540-180 Hi-Viz 11,380 kg  Yes 29 kph  Diesel 55 kW 
540-200 12,985 kg  Yes 29 kph  Diesel 55 kW 

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