Cat Telehandlers: Models, Specs and Prices
Last updated: November 2026
Caterpillar sold its TL642, TL943, TL1055 and TL1255 telehandlers in North America for almost two decades, and they are still common on the used market. In 2025 Cat replaced them with a new TH0642, TH0842, TH1055 and TH1255 lineup. FleetNow had 15 Cat telehandlers listed in November 2026. This guide explains Cat model names and generations, compares specs, shows what used Cat telehandlers sell for, compares them with JLG and Genie and lists what to check before you buy.
How Cat Model Names Work
Cat TL model names give rough capacity and lift height. In a TL943, the “9” stands for 9,000 lb and the “43” for a 43 ft lift height. The TL642 is the exception: it is rated for 6,500 lb at up to 42 ft. The letter after the number marks the generation:
- No suffix (2007 on): the first TL models, built for Cat by JLG at McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, under an alliance announced in 2005. Late units of the TL943 and TL1055 sold without a suffix use the Cat C3.6 engine.
- C series (about 2011 to 2014): Tier 4 Interim engines.
- D series (about 2015 on): Tier 4 Final engines, with the same capacities and lift heights as the C series.
- TH series (2025 on): the TH0642, TH0842, TH1055 and TH1255 replaced the TL lineup and use the same capacity and height naming.
The TH255C is a separate compact model, and Cat’s TH357D, TH408D and TH3510D are agricultural handlers sold mainly in Europe.
Cat Telehandler Specs
These are Cat’s published specs for the D-series TL models, the TH255C and the 2025 TH lineup. Maximum capacity applies only close in and low, so always check the load chart for your lift height and reach.
| Model | Max lift height | Max capacity | Capacity at max height | Max forward reach | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TH255C | 18 ft 4 in | 5,500 lb | Not listed | 10 ft 11 in | 74 hp |
| TL642D | 42 ft | 6,500 lb | 6,500 lb | 30 ft | Cat C3.4B, 100 hp |
| TL943D | 43 ft | 9,000 lb | 7,000 lb | 31 ft | Cat C3.4B, 111 hp |
| TL1055D | 54 ft 11 in | 10,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 42 ft | Cat C4.4, 142 hp |
| TL1255D | 54 ft 7 in | 12,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 42 ft | Cat C4.4, 142 hp |
| TH0642 (2025) | 42 ft 1 in | 6,000 lb | Not listed | 27 ft 7 in | Cat C3.6, 74 hp |
| TH0842 (2025) | 42 ft 1 in | 8,000 lb | 6,000 lb | 27 ft 7 in | Cat C3.6, 74 or 115 hp |
| TH1055 (2025) | 54 ft 7 in | 10,000 lb | Not listed | 41 ft | Cat C3.6, 74 or 115 hp |
| TH1255 (2025) | 54 ft 7 in | 12,000 lb | Not listed | 41 ft | Cat C3.6, 74 or 115 hp |
C-series models have the same capacities and lift heights as the D series, but some details differ. The TL1055C weighs about 34,160 lb (about 2,300 lb more than the TL1055D), and the TL1055C and TL1255C list 42 ft 6 in of forward reach. The TL943C and TL943D are both rated for 7,000 lb at full height. For reference, the TH255C weighs about 11,000 lb, the TL642D about 22,000 lb, the TL943D about 25,750 lb, the TL1055D about 31,900 lb and the TL1255D about 34,400 lb. Specs can differ by year and options such as stabilizers, so check the serial plate and load chart on the machine you are buying.
Popular Cat Telehandler Models
Cat TL1255
The TL1255 is the most listed Cat telehandler on FleetNow, with 6 units. It lifts 12,000 lb, reaches about 54 ft 7 in high and 42 ft forward, and still handles 5,000 lb at full height. That makes it a common choice for commercial building, steel and masonry work. Browse the TL1255D and TL1255C on FleetNow.
Cat TL1055
The TL1055 lifts 10,000 lb to about 55 ft with 42 ft of forward reach, the most common size in rental fleets. D-series units use a 142 hp Cat C4.4, while late units sold without a suffix use the Cat C3.6. See listings for the TL1055 and TL1055D.
Cat TL943
The TL943 lifts 9,000 lb to 43 ft and keeps 7,000 lb of capacity at full height, which is unusual for its size. It suits heavy loads such as block, brick and trusses on mid-rise jobs. Browse the TL943, TL943C and TL943D.
Cat TL642
The TL642 lifts 6,500 lb to 42 ft with 30 ft of forward reach and can place its full rated load at maximum height. It is the lightest TL model at about 21,000 to 22,000 lb, so it is easier to haul. See the TL642C on FleetNow.
Cat TH255C
The TH255C is Cat’s compact telehandler. It lifts 5,500 lb to 18 ft 4 in, weighs about 11,000 lb and fits farms, landscaping and tight job sites. See the Cat TH255 on FleetNow.
Cat TH Series (2025)
Cat’s 2025 TH0642, TH0842, TH1055 and TH1255 replace the TL lineup. They use the Cat C3.6 engine in 74 hp or 115 hp versions (the TH0642 comes with 74 hp only) and offer a choice of operator stations. Few have reached the used market yet, so most used Cat telehandlers you will find are TL models.
Used Cat Telehandler Prices
These are asking prices from all 15 Cat telehandler listings on FleetNow in November 2026. Several models have only a few listings, so treat those ranges as a guide.
| Model | Listings | Price range | Median | Model years and hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL1255 (all series) | 6 | $94,900 to $129,900 | $107,250 | 2010 to 2019, 2,800 to 4,800 hours |
| TL1055 (all series) | 4 | $73,850 to $174,900 | $112,450 | 2010 to 2020, 1,240 to 4,187 hours |
| TL943 (all series) | 3 | $84,900 to $104,900 | $89,950 | 2014 to 2019, 1,799 to 3,610 hours |
| TH255 | 1 | $57,950 | Single listing | 2015, 1,544 hours |
| TL642C | 1 | $44,950 | Single listing | 2015, 3,447 hours |
Across all 15 listings, asking prices ran from $44,950 to $174,900 with a median of $99,500. Most units were 2010 to 2019 TL models, with 1,240 to 4,800 hours on the meter. Cat does not publish list prices, so ask a Cat dealer for a quote on a new TH model.
Cat vs JLG and Genie
Cat TL telehandlers were built by JLG on JLG designs with Cat engines and components, so they are closely related to the JLG 943, 1055 and 1255. JLG and Genie telehandlers are far more common on the used market, which gives buyers more choice in the same size classes.
| Class | Cat | JLG | Genie |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,000 lb, 43 ft | TL943: $84,900 to $104,900 (3 listings) | 943: $59,850 to $134,850 | No direct match |
| 10,000 lb, 55 to 56 ft | TL1055: $73,850 to $174,900 (4 listings) | 1055: $64,950 to $135,999 | GTH-1056: $54,900 to $94,900 |
| 12,000 lb, 55 to 56 ft | TL1255: $98,850 to $129,900 | 1255: $77,850 to $134,900 | GTH-1256 |
What to Check Before Buying a Used Cat Telehandler
- Read the serial plate and load chart decals and confirm the model, series (C, D or no suffix) and attachments match what you need.
- Check the hour meter and ask for maintenance records, including engine, transmission and axle oil changes. Many used TL units have 3,000 or more hours.
- Start the engine cold and look for smoke, hard starting, leaks and emissions warnings. Ask whether the DPF or emissions system has had any repairs on Tier 4 units.
- Extend and retract the boom fully. Watch for jerky movement, drifting and worn wear pads, and check the boom for cracks or welds.
- Test frame leveling, the stabilizers (on units that have them) and the load moment indicator.
- Drive in every gear and steering mode, and test the service and parking brakes.
- Check the carriage, quick coupler and forks for wear, bends and cracks.
- Look for hydraulic leaks at cylinders, hoses and the pump.
- Inspect the tires, cab glass and ROPS/FOPS for damage.
- Use the serial number when ordering parts. TL models mix JLG-designed components with Cat engines and parts.
See our telehandler inspection checklist for a full walkaround, or use the FleetNow equipment inspection app to document the machine before you buy.
Shop Cat Telehandlers With FleetNow
Browse used Cat telehandlers, all Cat equipment or all telehandlers on FleetNow. Compare with JLG, Genie, SkyTrak and JCB telehandlers, or read our SkyTrak, JCB and Manitou telehandler guides. New to telehandlers? Read our ultimate guide to telehandlers or compare a telehandler vs forklift.
Need help finding a machine? Contact FleetNow or call 1-216-973-5124. Have a telehandler to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.
Cat Telehandler FAQs
Caterpillar sells Cat telehandlers through its dealer network. The TL642, TL943, TL1055 and TL1255 sold in North America were built for Cat by JLG at McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, under an alliance announced in 2005, using JLG designs with Cat engines and components. In 2025 Cat launched the TH0642, TH0842, TH1055 and TH1255 to replace the TL models.
They are closely related but not identical. JLG built the Cat TL series on its own designs, but Cat fitted its own engines and components. Use the serial number to order parts, and compare the load charts if you are choosing between the two.
In November 2026, Cat telehandlers on FleetNow were listed from $44,950 for a 2015 TL642C to $174,900 for a 2020 TL1055D, with a median of $99,500 across 15 listings. The middle half of TL1255 listings were priced at $98,850 to $129,900.
The largest Cat telehandlers are the TL1255 and the newer TH1255, both rated for 12,000 lb. The TL1255D reaches 54 ft 7 in high and 42 ft forward, lifts 5,000 lb at full height and weighs about 34,400 lb.
The TH255C weighs about 11,000 lb, the TL642D about 22,000 lb, the TL943D about 25,750 lb, the TL1055D about 31,900 lb and the TL1255D about 34,400 lb. Stabilizers and attachments add weight, so check the serial plate on the machine you are buying.
The C series (about 2011 to 2014) used Tier 4 Interim engines, and the D series (about 2015 on) uses Tier 4 Final engines. Capacities and lift heights are the same, but weights and some dimensions differ. For example, the TL1055D is about 2,300 lb lighter than the TL1055C.
