The TH255 super-compact telehandler

Caterpillar Inc has introduced the TH255 super-compact telehandler, the latest addition to its North American Cat Telehandler line-up.

Designed to work in construction, materials supply, landscaping, nursery and agricultural applications, it has a rated load capacity of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), lift height of 18'4" (5.6 metres) and capacity at maximum reach of 1,850lbs (839kg). Its low cab height, narrow machine width of 71.5 inches (1.82 metres) and turning radius of 126 inches (3.2 metres) make the telehandler suitable for working in tight spaces.

Caterpillar claims the machine offers "exceptional sight lines" despite the low cab height of less than 6'4" (1.9 metres).

The TH255 weighs in at 10,800lbs (4,898kg) and is powered by a Cat C4.4 diesel engine which produces 84hp (63 kilowatts) of power while meeting US EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements.

Marketing communications manager Maye Houck tells Forkliftaction.com News production of the TH255 has started and the first shipments are planned for mid-April.

"The telehandler is manufactured by JLG and while it has some of the same attributes as the JLG compact telehandler, the use of key Cat components in the machine is just one differentiator between the brands," Houck says.

JLG Industries Inc's super-compact telehandler, the JLG G5-18A, was launched in December 2007. It has a 5,500lb (2,495kg) maximum lifting capacity, 1,850lb (839kg) lifting capacity at the fully extended reach of 11 feet (3.4 metres) and a 126-inch (3.2 metre) turning radius. (Forkliftaction.com News #341).

Through a Caterpillar-JLG alliance finalised at the end of 2005, JLG now manufactures Caterpillar-branded telehandlers at its McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania and Maasmechelen, Belgium plants for exclusive distribution through Caterpillar dealers (Forkliftaction.com News #233).

The TH255 telehandler will be exhibited at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show from 11-15 March in Las Vegas.