JLG expands telehandler agreement with SAME DEUTZ-FAHR

JLG Industries has reached an agreement with SAME DEUTZ-FAHR Group (SDF) in Italy to supply telehandlers to the agricultural market worldwide. As part of the 10 year deal JLG will withdraw its own branded handlers from the agricultural market.

For the past five years JLG has produced Agrovector handlers for SDF at its facility in the Netherlands while simultaneously developing an agricultural dealer network in certain regions of the world. JLG also has an ongoing agreement with Caterpillar to manufacture telehandlers for Cat worldwide, sold to both agriculture and construction markets.

Jonathan Dawson, director of sales and customer support for JLG Industries EAME Telehandlers said: "Upon mutual reflection, we have decided that focusing on the world-renown Deutz-Fahr brand and having access to the global Deutz-Fahr dealer network will provide JLG the best opportunity to market in the agricultural sector.

"Under the new agreement, customers will see a more cooperative involvement of local JLG product specialists working directly with Deutz-Fahr subsidiaries, dealers and distributors in the promotion, sales and after sales support of the Agrovector range."

JLG said the decision to withdraw its brand from the agricultural sector was "not one that was taken lightly. Despite considerable investment in developing this channel, JLG believes that the greatest opportunity for growth in this sector remains with the recognized and established brands and distribution network of SAME DEUTZ-FAHR and also Caterpillar."

The US manufacturer said the 10-year agreement would allow it to plan a product development strategy that spans the new emission regulations coming into force in 2012 and 2015.

JLG makes five Agrovector handlers for SDF: the 29.6, 29.6LP, 35.7, 40.8 and 40.9 models. These range from 2900 kg capacity to 4000 kg and from 6 m to 9 m lift heights. JLG said it had plans to expand this range over the next two years.

SAME DEUTZ-FAHR Group (SDF) in Italy is a leading manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery and diesel engines.