Developed to support the operational needs of the various sectors linked to agriculture and livestock farming, New Holland’s “Th” series of telescopic handlers consists of five different models capable of reaching maximum lifting heights ranging from approximately six to nine meters, with lifting capacities spanning from 2,600 to 4,200 kilograms
Telescopic handlers have long since consolidated their strategic importance within modern agriculture. The biogas business and the energy recovery of livestock waste, just to cite two examples, have significantly boosted the spread of these machines within the primary sector. Not surprisingly, all the major groups operating in agricultural mechanization now include telescopic handlers in their product ranges in order to meet emerging market demands.
New Holland has embraced this commercial strategy through its “Th” series models, specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of agriculture by drawing on the experience and know-how developed by the CNH Industrial Group within the construction and earthmoving sectors.
Characterized by a yellow livery intended to visually emphasize the integration of these machines within the New Holland range dedicated to harvesting activities, the “Th” series is built around five models whose main technical and functional strengths are versatility, maneuverability in confined spaces, and compact dimensions.
These characteristics are best represented by the entry-level “Th 6.26,” specifically intended for use in environments with restricted spaces such as older livestock barns, thanks to an overall width limited to 1,920 millimeters and a maximum height of just 1,955 millimeters.
In practical terms, these specifications make the “Th 6.26” a compact and versatile handler. Yet these qualities do not compromise the machine’s performance, as it is capable of reaching maximum lifting heights of six meters while handling loads of up to 2,600 kilograms.
Essentially a light-duty telescopic handler, the “Th 6.26” differs from the medium-duty and heavy-duty models within the “Th” range also because of its powertrain configuration, which combines a traditional hydrostatic transmission — designed to maximize ease of use and maneuverability in tight spaces — with a Stage V-compliant Kubota four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.3 liters delivering 74 horsepower.
Designed instead for heavier applications are the medium-duty and heavy-duty versions “Th 7.32,” “Th 7.37,” “Th 7.42,” and “Th 9.35,” offering maximum lifting heights ranging from seven meters to 9.15 meters and lifting capacities between 3,200 and 4,200 kilograms.
Performance
These performance levels remain fully available even under the most demanding working conditions thanks to the presence of an H-shaped monolithic chassis capable of ensuring high torsional resistance during prolonged stress, together with a dual-section telescopic boom incorporating heavy-duty pivot pins that guarantee robustness and reliability throughout the entire assembly.
Such performance is also supported by Stage V-compliant FPT “Nef” four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 4.5 liters, capable of delivering maximum outputs of approximately 133 horsepower on the “Plus” versions and 145 horsepower on the more sophisticated “Elite” versions.
Common to both configurations are transmissions with two ranges and three gears which, combined with a powershift operating only in the high range, provide six forward and three reverse speeds managed through three different driving modes.
The first mode, manual, offers maximum simplicity by leaving gear shifting entirely to the operator. Second, semi-automatic, is primarily designed for road transport applications thanks to its ability to automatically manage gear changes between fourth, fifth, and sixth gear according to engine speed and travel velocity. The third, fully automatic mode independently manages gear changes from second through sixth, making machine operation highly intuitive and comfortable even during repetitive and demanding applications.
In these situations, the New Holland “Th” series handlers also benefit from hydraulic systems based on pumps delivering up to 140 liters per minute on the “Plus” models and 160 liters per minute on the “Elite” versions. These systems are managed through a dedicated joystick positioned on a specific armrest located to the right of the operator’s seat inside high-visibility cabs characterized not only by large and deep windshields but also by slim front pillars that significantly reduce visual obstructions, especially when the telescopic boom is fully raised or lowered.
Hybrid Technology Enters the Barn
During Agritechnica 2025, New Holland presented a hybrid telescopic handler prototype featuring maximum lifting heights ranging between seven and nine meters and a lifting capacity of 4,200 kilograms. In practical terms, it represents the equivalent of the conventionally powered “Th 7.37” and “Th 9.35” models.
Unlike these machines, however, the prototype operates through a combination of electric and natural gas power. The electric system is based on a 70-kWh battery capable of supplying power both in hybrid mode and in fully electric mode.
Natural gas instead powers an FPT “F28” four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.8 liters delivering 100 horsepower at fixed speed and at its most efficient operating regime. In practice, the internal combustion engine acts as a power generator and automatically activates whenever the batteries are running low.
Thanks to this solution, the machine can operate in full-electric mode for approximately four hours during medium-heavy duties and up to six hours during light working cycles. With this configuration, the electric-natural gas propulsion system allows fully independent operation throughout the entire working day without refueling or recharging.
The batteries can also be recharged using electricity generated directly on the farm through solar installations or anaerobic digestion systems, making it possible to operate exclusively with self-produced energy.
The system additionally delivers hydraulic pump power equivalent to 112 horsepower and traction power of 154 horsepower, managed through an electric transmission whose control system operates independently from the implement controls and also features adjustable responsiveness during forward-reverse direction changes.
