Anyone working on a small construction site usually wants the same thing: a machine that can do enough, without being larger than necessary. Too large means losing more space, more hassle in tight corners and often more machine than you actually use every day. Buying too small is just as frustrating, because then you run out of lifting height, reach or capacity exactly when it matters most. That is exactly where the Manitou MT625 positions itself. With a 2.5-tonne capacity, an almost 6-metre lifting height and a maximum reach of 3.4 metres, this model is ideal for construction, renovation and small urban job sites. In this article, we explain everything you need to know.
The Manitou MT625 is the best choice if you are looking for a compact telehandler that clearly offers more than an ultra-compact model, while a larger 7-metre-plus machine would simply be too big, too heavy or too impractical for your work. It is especially suitable for renovation projects, residential construction, smaller building sites and locations where you need off-road capability and lifting power without bringing a huge machine. If you regularly need to work at greater heights, reach much further or operate emission-free indoors or in zero-emission zones, then other models will make more sense.
The strength of the MT625 lies in its balance. You get a maximum lifting capacity of 2.5 tonnes and a lifting height of 5.85 metres, while the machine remains compact with a width of 1.81 metres, a height of 1.92 metres and an outside turning radius of 3.31 metres. This makes it attractive for locations where a larger telehandler quickly becomes too bulky, while a true mini telehandler does not offer enough reserve capacity. The machine is not only compact. The MT625 features four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, three steering modes, 33 centimetres of ground clearance and a top speed of around 25 km/h. It is also equipped with a 75 hp Kubota Stage V engine, JSM joystick controls and a hydraulic setup focused on fast working movements. That means it is built for real construction site work, not just clean warehouse environments.
For buyers, this is important because the model sits exactly between two categories. On one hand, it is compact enough for tight projects. On the other hand, it still offers enough lifting height and capacity to avoid quickly reaching its limits during everyday construction work.
The MT625 performs especially well on small or crowded construction sites. Think of new-build locations with limited manoeuvring space, renovation projects in built-up areas or sites where pallets and building materials need to be moved quickly without enough room for wide turns or extended boom movements.
It is also a logical choice if you mainly work in low-rise construction and renovation. The machine is designed for construction and renovation projects with limited height requirements. That is an important difference compared to larger telehandlers. If your work mainly involves unloading, moving, supplying and positioning materials at limited heights, then 5.85 metres is often a more practical maximum than a larger machine you will never fully use on a daily basis.
Sometimes a mini telehandler is simply just too small. The MT420, for example, is the ultra-compact model designed for very narrow urban areas, but that machine offers 2.0 tonnes of capacity, 4.35 metres of lifting height and 2.65 metres of reach. The MT625 is then the logical next step: still compact, but noticeably more capable when you need to lift slightly heavier loads, work higher or reach further.
If width is your biggest concern, first look at the MT420. At 1.49 metres wide, it is significantly narrower than the MT625 and specifically designed within the MT range for very narrow urban areas. The trade-off is lower lifting capacity, lifting height and reach: 2.0 tonnes, 4.35 metres and 2.65 metres instead of 2.5 tonnes, 5.85 metres and 3.40 metres. An interesting detail: the MT420 is narrower, but not lower. In fact, it is slightly taller than the MT625. So if width is your main limitation, the MT420 wins. If you mainly need a combination of compact dimensions and extra lifting reserve, the MT625 becomes the stronger option.
If you regularly work on roofing projects, timber construction, steel structures, higher floors or projects where 6 metres is simply not enough, you will reach the limits of the MT625 much faster. The larger MT models are better described as machines ranging from 7 to 18 metres for roofing work, structural projects and heavier construction site applications. In that case, the MT625 is not “too weak”, but simply too small for what your daily work requires. Think of models such as the MT 1440, MT 1840 or MT 1335 telehandler.
Start by looking at your actual worksite. If your daily work mainly involves manoeuvring through narrow passages, tight spaces and turning movements, the machine’s dimensions tell you more than lifting capacity alone. Then work backwards from your heaviest load, highest delivery point and furthest working position. If you regularly operate close to the 5.85-metre lifting limit or maximum reach, you should carefully study the load chart.
The MT625 is a strong machine as long as the work stays within its intended range. If you consistently operate at the edge of its capabilities, a larger machine will often be the better investment in the long run.
When buying a used MT625, never look only at operating hours. Test the steering, check whether the boom and telescopic movements operate smoothly and verify that the safety systems and load protection functions respond correctly. The machine is equipped with JSM controls and an EN 15000 safety configuration, so you want to see those systems functioning properly in real conditions. If you want to do more than simply use pallet forks, also check whether the machine has the correct equipment or hydraulic auxiliary lines for attachments. Want to know more? We previously wrote an article about what to look for when buying a used telehandler.
At BAS World, we regularly offer both new and used Manitou MT625 telehandlers. Not sure whether this model is suitable for your work, or whether a larger or smaller machine would be a better fit? Or are you still deciding between a new or used model? We understand completely. Our specialists know everything about the different models and are happy to help you make the right choice. Get in touch with us and they will gladly advise you.
