Ag Equipment Expands with Smarter Solutions

From livestock operations to hayfields, today’s agricultural demands call for machines that do more, maneuver better and last longer. As manufacturers respond, farmers and ranchers are seeing a broader range of equipment tailored specifically for ag use – not retrofitted construction tools.

Whether it’s compact tractors designed for tight quarters or telehandlers built to handle rough terrain and heavy loads, new offerings from brands like Kioti and JLG Industries are reshaping what versatility looks like on the farm.

JLG Enters Ag Market With Telehandlers

JLG Industries has long been known for its presence in the lift industry as a manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers. Now, however, the equipment company is crossing sectors into the agricultural industry by offering a dedicated line of telehandlers engineered specifically to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The company’s new telehandler lines have been retrofitted specifically for agricultural applications and will offer greater maneuverability, versatility and performance compared to traditional industrial equipment.

“Our agriculture telehandlers are aggressive, powerful and ergonomically designed, making them ideally suited for the demands of agricultural operations,” said Jamey Patla, vice president and general manager of JLG Agriculture.

The New Line-Up

The new telehandlers on deck are:

• AG313: A compact unit with 3,500-pound capacity and 13-foot maximum height.

• AG519: A mid-size unit offering 5,000-pound capacity with 19-foot maximum height.

• AG823: A heavy-duty model providing 8,000-pound capacity with 23-foot maximum height.

• AG832: An extended-reach model delivering 8,000-pound capacity with 32-foot maximum height.

• AG925: A high-capacity model featuring 9,000-pound capacity with 25-foot maximum height.

Other Key Features

These telehandlers include ag-specific features such as travel speeds up to 25 mph with a tight turning radius for maneuverability; high ground clearance of up to 19-inches for traversing rough terrain; three steering modes (2- and 4-wheel and 4-wheel crab) for versatile operation; reduced ground disturbance technology to protect field integrity and precision lifting with excellent attachment rotation for faster bucket speeds and better tilt angles, among others.

“Our agriculture telehandlers provide greater lift height and forward reach, allowing farmers and ranchers to perform multiple tasks with a single machine,” explained Patla. “This versatility saves time, money and labor across various operations.”

The Devil Is in the Details

The larger models (8,000- and 9,000-pound capacities) feature a standard hydraulic quick AG coupler with single auxiliary hydraulics and optional dual auxiliary hydraulics with continuous flow, while the compact models (3,500- to 5,000-pound capacities) are equipped with skid steer couplers for pairing with skid steer and telehandler attachments.

Agricultural specific attachments include silage defacers, bale carriages, buckets, pallet forks and specialized lifting tools.

“To minimize our equipment owners’ overall investment,” said Patla, “JLG telehandlers can also be used with many of the attachments currently used on farms and ranches today.”

KIOTI Expands Line With Subcompact Tractor

As landowners see equipment that balances strength, size and versatility, KIOTI is meeting farmers where they’re at with its latest addition to its compact lineup.

The company’s new subcompact tractor is engineered for performance in smaller spaces without sacrificing the durability and functionality needed for everyday farm and property tasks.

Whether mowing, hauling or handling attachments, this machine is designed to help farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners get more done with less machine – and less hassle.

RAISING THE BAR

The KIOTI CS30 Series is the first subcompact tractor with a factory-installed climate-controlled cab, designed to keep operators comfortable in any season. Heating, air conditioning, premium seating and insulation reduce noise and vibration for less fatigue during long days. Optional features like smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera add tech conveniences typically reserved for larger tractors.

Powerful Performance and User-Friendly Controls

Don’t let its size fool you — the CS30 delivers class-leading power with a 1.2-liter diesel engine producing 24.5 horsepower and 51.63 pound-feet of torque. Its intuitive controls include reconfigured levers, twin hydrostatic pedals for easy forward-reverse transitions, power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and push-button four-wheel drive, making it easy to handle tough jobs in tight spaces.

Advanced Technology for Efficiency and Maintenance

The tractor’s mid- and rear power takeoffs enable multiple attachments to run simultaneously, while optional quick-connect systems simplify switching implements. KIOTI’s Connect TMS offers real-time diagnostics and alerts, paired with an illuminated digital instrument panel for easy monitoring of system performance and fluid levels, helping operators reduce downtime and maximize productivity.

Market Uncertainty May Impact Sales

After 50 years in the access equipment market for construction, there’s little doubt JLG’s newest offerings will bring value to the agricultural sector. And with KIOTI continuing to expand its presence through innovation in the subcompact market, both companies are leaning into the evolving needs of today’s producers.

Still, how well these new product lines will perform remains to be seen, as new equipment sales have been sluggish since the start of the year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The AEM cites multiple factors, including economic uncertainty, global trade restrictions, tariffs, shifting weather patterns and the political landscape.

Rooted in Possibility

As JLG breaks new ground in agriculture and KIOTI adds depth to its tractor lineup, both companies are targeting long-term growth in a sector known for evolving needs and tough working conditions.

While market uncertainty may dampen short-term performance, the long-term demand for versatile, performance-driven equipment remains strong.

With engineering expertise and farmer-first design, JLG and KIOTI are showing that they’re not just building machines — they’re building trust. Each is planting seeds of reliability and innovation to become lasting partners in the farm equipment space.