Electric telehandler for agriculture
French handling specialists Manitou has developed its first all-electric telehandler concept aimed at the agricultural market.
Manitou Australia is launching its Gehl R series radial-lift skid loaders ‘down under’, and they are expected to be popular with farmers.
The line-up is all new, the company says. The models R190, R220 and R260 offer a better operator station with an integrated digital display, improved visibility, pressurised cabs, Tier IV engines and a high-powered hydraulic system.
These machines are rated large-frame and bring “unparalleled performance to the jobsite,” says Manitou.
When equipped with optional counterweights, the rated operating capacities range from 957kg on the R190 to 1260kg on the R260. Lift heights reach up to 3060mm on the R190 and 3124mm on the R220 and R260.
Their emissions compliant Tier IV Yanmar engines have DPF (diesel particulate filter) technology – environmentally sound and needing no fuel after-treatments, such as urea. With maximum torque ratings from 235 Nm on the R190 to 279.3 Nm on the R260, power is ample, says the company.
The R Series skid loaders come with high-powered auxiliary hydraulics that achieve flow rates from 119L/min on the R190 to 32.5L/min on the R220 and R260 with the high-flow configuration.
High breakout forces are great for digging and faster cycle times further enhance productivity.
The cabs have a new side-folding restraint bar and armrests with multiple adjustments. Joystick and hand/foot control towers are fully adjustable and the mechanical or air-ride suspension seat options gives plenty of comfort.
A cab-forward design and lowered rear towers give good visibility to the bucket edge and rear of the machine. The optional pressurised sealed cab enclosure, with sound reduction material and a rear-mounted air filter, is clean and quiet.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

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