I’ve worked with JCB 525-60s both on farms and on construction sites. In this class, a compact telehandler with 2.5-ton capacity and 6-meter reach makes a lot of sense; it handles barn work, warehouse and yard loading, tight sites, and container work without needing a big telehandler. Four-wheel steer gives it very good maneuverability, visibility is decent, and the cab ergonomics are good enough that you can sit in it all day. For its size, the hydraulics are quick, and it doesn’t really disappoint on pallets, bales, or bucket work. On the Kohler-powered versions, not having DEF/DPF is a real advantage on the running-cost side, and fuel consumption is reasonable for the work it does.

Pros (+)

• Compact size with excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.
• 2.5-ton lift, 6 m reach – plenty for farm/warehouse/yard work.
• No DEF/DPF (on Kohler engine versions), lower running complexity and cost.
• Cab comfort, visibility, and controls are good enough for full-day use.
• Very versatile with different attachments (forks, bucket, bale tools, etc.).

Cons (–)

• As hours climb, higher risk of hydraulic leaks and costs around hoses/seals/pump.
• Electrical/CAN-BUS faults can put the machine into limp mode or lock it out completely, and diagnosis often requires laptop/dealer tools.
• Hydrostatic drive is sensitive to sensor/valve issues in high/low and speed limit circuits.
• Access to some service points is tight; labor time and cost can be high.
• Ex-rental machines (many operators, little care) often come with heavy wear and a scattered fault history.

Jcb 525-60 Specs

Engine

Drivetrain

Hydraulic System

Hydraulic Cycle Times

Dimensions

Performance

Lift Performance

Tire Size