The two big hitters in the UK loader market - JCB and Manitou - have been busy this year. JCB's pivot steers have attracted plenty of attention, while the French firm launched its arable-orientated MLT 840 telehandler in the summer.

The 840's four-tonne lift capacity and 7.55m reach goes toe-to-toe with JCB's 541-70. The rest of Manitou's arable loader range sees the smaller MLT735 and beefy 845 - popular with spud-and-root farmers - sandwich the newbie.

ENGINE

It's pretty much new from headstock to hitch, but one of the stand-out changes is the move to John Deere engines. Most of the mid-range kit still use Perkins motors and compact equipment is powered by Kubota. Time will tell whether this change will continue through the rest of the fleet.

This is partly because Manitou hoovered up plenty of John Deere dealers when Deere's telehandler range was mothballed a few years ago. It makes servicing and spare parts convenient for dealers and owners.