The global telescopic handler market is anticipated to witness substantial growth from 2025 to 2035 driven by rapid infrastructural development and rising demand across sectors such as construction, agriculture, mining, and industrial applications. Telescopic handlers, often called telehandlers, combine features of a forklift and a crane, offering mobility, versatility, and advanced lifting capabilities. These machines are now adopting technological upgrades, including hybrid and electric powertrains, fully and semi-automatic systems, and greater connectivity for fleet management. With the construction industry's push for safer, more efficient material handling and the agriculture sector automating processes, demand for telehandlers is accelerating. The market is expected to expand steadily, propelled by regulatory support for low-emission equipment and investments in urban and rural infrastructure worldwide. The presence of established OEMs and new entrants focused on greener solutions will further fuel innovation and competitive pricing in the years ahead.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Infrastructure expansion in emerging economies is significantly boosting demand for telescopic handlers, especially in the APAC and Middle Eastern markets. Companies like XCMG have accelerated production in response to major ongoing construction projects in India and the Middle East during 2024-2025.
Growing adoption of telehandlers in agriculture for multi-purpose tasks such as lifting, transporting feed, and hay handling is supporting market expansion. For example, JCB's Agri Pro series has seen increasing sales in Europe and North America in 2025.
Key Trends
The rise of electric-powered and hybrid telescopic handlers is a notable trend. In 2025, Manitou launched fully electric models that cater to sustainability targets in urban construction and indoor industrial use.
Advanced automation and telematics integration: Manufacturers like Caterpillar have begun equipping telehandlers with smart fleet management features, remote diagnostics, and semi-autonomous controls during 2025.
Key Opportunities
Surge in rental demand among SMEs and contractors unwilling to invest in large fleets. Companies like United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals are expanding their telehandler rental inventory globally in 2025.
Product innovation for heavy duty and high-lift applications is creating opportunities, as new infrastructure and mining projects require more versatile, robust telehandlers. JLG Industries launched a new heavy-duty series addressing such niche requirements in 2025.
Key Challenges
Fluctuations in raw material prices and supply chain disruptions remain a major challenge, impacting manufacturing costs for vendors like Liebherr.
Shortage of trained operators and safety concerns, especially in developing countries, are leading to reduced adoption rates and underutilization of advanced features.
Key Restraints
High initial investment and maintenance costs are limiting uptake among small and medium businesses, with players such as Wacker Neuson focusing on cost optimization.
Strict emissions regulations in some regions require redesign and certification of diesel-powered telehandlers, causing delays and additional costs for manufacturers like Merlo in 2025.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Share by Type, 2025
The market is segmented into Rotating, Non-Rotating, Compact, High Lift, Heavy Duty, and Standard types. In 2025, Non-Rotating telehandlers remain dominant due to their widespread adoption in the construction sector for general material handling. Rotating telehandlers represent a growing share, largely driven by their increasing use in complex urban construction and industrial projects where flexibility and reach are critical. Compact and high-lift models are also seeing a surge in demand for use in constrained job sites and agricultural operations, respectively.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Share by Application, 2025
Construction remains the top application for telescopic handlers in 2025, comprising the largest market share due to continued urban and infrastructure development projects globally. Agriculture follows as the second most significant segment, with farms increasingly modernizing and adopting multi-purpose telehandlers. Industrial, mining, and waste management sectors make up the remaining market, with industrial applications benefitting from automation and logistics expansion. The multi-use capability of telehandlers ensures their adoption across diverse industries, albeit at varying market shares.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The global telescopic handler market revenue is projected to grow from $5,200 Million in 2020 to an estimated $11,800 Million by 2035, reflecting an impressive compound annual growth rate. This trajectory is fueled by accelerating infrastructure development, a shift to greener technologies, and rising adoption in agriculture and industrial automation. Incremental revenues are expected with increased use of rental and resale channels, particularly from SMEs. North America and APAC lead revenue contribution, while Europe shows a stable growth trend.
Global Telescopic Handler Market YoY Growth (%), 2020-2035
Year-on-year (YoY) growth in the telescopic handler market is set to remain robust, with a spike to 7.2% in 2025 driven by post-pandemic infrastructure stimulus and green construction initiatives. The growth rate moderates towards 4.5% after 2030 as the market matures in developed regions and further innovations shift market dynamics. Emerging markets in Asia, South America, and Africa will continue to outperform global averages through 2035, providing significant avenues for expansion.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Share by Region, 2025
North America retains its leading position in 2025, owing to robust construction, agricultural modernization, and rental market dominance. The Asia Pacific region rapidly closes the gap, spurred by government-driven infrastructure investments, chiefly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Europe steadily holds a significant share, benefiting from technological innovation and aggressive emission regulations driving electric adoption. Middle East, Africa, and South America contribute the remaining portion, marked by improved market penetration and growth prospects.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Players Share, 2025
JCB and Caterpillar are the clear front runners in the global telehandler market for 2025, followed closely by Manitou and Liebherr. These companies maintain a leading edge through product innovations, global distribution networks, and robust after-sales services. Regional contenders like XCMG, Merlo, and Bobcat strengthen their presence through localized offerings and competitive pricing. The fragmentation of other regional and emerging companies contributes to a diversified global market structure.
Global Telescopic Handler Market Buyers Share, 2025
Construction contractors hold the largest share among global telehandler buyers in 2025, reflecting the industry's high demand for versatile machinery. Agricultural enterprises form the next largest group due to mechanization and operational efficiency drives. Industrial players, mining companies, rental businesses, and waste management firms make up the remainder, reflecting diversification of end-use markets fueling overall growth.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East, Africa
Segments
By Type, By Application, By Distribution Channels, By Technology, By Organization Size
June 2024: Manitou unveils its latest electric-powered MLT range at the Intermat Show, targeting the green construction market.
July 2024: JCB introduces remote telematics upgrades for its Agri Pro telehandler series across Europe and North America.
August 2024: XCMG commences a new telehandler production facility in India to support growing regional demand.
September 2024: Caterpillar launches a next-gen semi-automatic control system for its latest telehandler models.
October 2024: Merlo partners with a leading rental group to expand telehandler availability in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Lily
Senior Market Research Analyst
Lily is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Machinery and Equipments. Lily brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Lily has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
Machinery and EquipmentsMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting
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