Genie 5519 vs Bobcat TL519: Which Compact Telehandler is Right for You?

The Genie GTH-5519 is often called the most popular compact telehandler on the market. It’s a solid machine. But no telehandler is the perfect fit for every operator or job site. The Bobcat® TL519 brings a lot to the table—and for some job sites, it’s the better choice. So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down. 

Bobcat vs Genie Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s start with a quick breakdown of how each telescopic handler performs: 

This information was taken from the Bobcat TL519 specs sheet and the Genie GTH-5519 specs sheet.

What do those numbers actually mean for you as the operator? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the two models one at a time, starting with the Genie telehandler.

The Genie GTH-5519 Telehandler

Strengths: 

• Maneuverability (smaller turning radius) 

• Stability (higher operating weight) 

• Hydraulic Pressure 

• Frame Leveling System (not pictured in specs sheet) 

Maneuverability 

Check out that 3-ft difference on the outside turning clearance. If you’re looking at a compact telehandler, maneuverability is probably a priority for you. Tighter turns make a big difference when you’re moving pallets inside a warehouse, weaving around columns, shelving, and conveyor systems. 

Stability 

A higher operating weight has its pros and cons. But if you’re on uneven ground or lifting heavy loads at max height, those extra 424 lbs give you the stability you need. 

Hydraulic Pressure 

The difference between 3,626 psi and 3,918 psi isn’t extreme for compact telehandlers. But if you’re running hydraulic-powered attachments often or constantly adjusting the boom—like in material handling—those extra 292 psi could make a difference. Higher hydraulic pressure gives you smoother operation for attachments that need steady force, like clamps or side-shift carriages. It also improves boom and lift response for fast-paced lifting and adds more control when placing loads over obstacles, like rebar cages or scaffolding. But if hydraulic pressure is a major factor in your decision, it might be time to look at a larger telehandler. 

Frame Leveling System 

This wasn’t mentioned in our specs comparison chart, but Genie’s frame leveling system can make a difference for operators who regularly work on sloped or uneven job sites. With this system, an operator can manually adjust the chassis tilt up to 10 degrees side to side, reducing the need for blocking, repositioning, or minor grading. 

This feature is especially useful for placing materials on uneven terrain—like when you’re staging supplies on a sloped construction site or unloading pallets in a yard that isn’t perfectly level. If your job requires frequent lifting on rough ground, we’d also recommend looking into larger telehandlers for added stability. 

The Bobcat TL519 Telehandler

Strengths: 

• Longer Runtime (more fuel tank capacity) 

• Steering Modes 

• Operation Modes 

• Attachment Hookup 

• Transportability (lower operating weight) 

Longer Runtime 

An extra 1.4 gallons of fuel capacity might not sound like much. But, if you’re running your telehandler all day, every day, that could save you as much as one or two refuels. Longer runtime makes a big difference on remote job sites, especially if you’re using your TL519 for farming operations (like moving hay bales across acres of land). 

5 Operation Modes 

This feature is exclusive to Bobcat telehandlers. Most telehandlers—including the Genie 5519—operate in a single standard mode, with no way to adjust travel speed, engine power, or attachment performance. The Bobcat TL519 gives operators more control with five customizable modes: 

• ECO Mode: saves fuel  

• Smooth Drive Mode: softens acceleration and deceleration for better load stability 

• Dynamic Drive Mode: sharpens acceleration and deceleration for faster work cycles 

• Flex Drive Mode: controls travel speed and engine speed separately, increases fuel efficiency when you move between tasks 

• Advanced Attachment Control Mode: controls attachment speed and engine power separately, gives you more attachment control and performance 

Hydraulic Attachment Hookup 

This right here is a huge deal. The Genie GTH-5519 comes standard with a manual quick-attach system. So, if you don’t want to pay for the add-on hydraulic quick-attach, you’re stuck manually removing and securing the pins every time you switch attachments.  

The Bobcat TL519 automatically comes with a hydraulic quick-attach system called the Power Bob-Tach™ attachment mounting system. With the Power Bob-Tach, you can switch attachments without leaving the cab. And, just like with Bobcat skid steers, the TL519 is compatible with a very large range of Bobcat attachments. 

4 Steering Modes 

Both the TL519 and the GTH-5519 offer front-wheel steer, all-wheel steer, and full crab steer. But the TL519 has an additional semi-crab steer mode, which lets the operator set the rear wheels in a crab position while steering with the front wheels. 

This makes a big difference in tight spaces. In a staging yard, next to a building, or along a retaining wall, semi-crab steer keeps the telehandler moving in a mostly straight line while allowing for micro-adjustments. This means less repositioning, fewer back-and-forth turns, and better load placement without swinging the rear too far. 

Transportability 

It’s like we said earlier: a lower operating weight comes with pros and cons. With the TL519, you’ll see a little bit more transportability. 424 lbs doesn’t make a huge difference, but if you’re already getting close to your max towing capacity, the Genie’s extra weight could push you up to a higher-rated trailer or truck. Plus, if you hit multiple jobs per day, the TL519’s lower weight makes it a little easier to transport between job sites.  

Why We Would Buy a Bobcat TL519 for Bobcat of the Rockies

Sure, we’re a Bobcat dealer—but that’s not why we’d choose the TL519. For our needs, it just makes more sense. 

• It’s easier to transport between locations. As a dealer, we need to haul equipment between branches and deliver machines to customer job sites. The TL519’s lighter weight makes transport easier, especially when moving multiple machines in one load. 

• It makes our daily operations more efficient. We would use a telehandler to move inventory, load attachments, and organize our yard. The TL519’s five operation modes adjust speed, power, and handling to fit different tasks—whether it’s fuel-saving mode for yard work, smoother drive mode for stacking pallets, or dynamic drive for unloading attachment inventory faster. 

• Faster attachment swaps mean faster turnaround. Customers want to demo multiple attachments, and the Power Bob-Tach system lets us switch them out quickly. We don’t have time to manually pin attachments on and off all day. 

When to Choose the Bobcat TL519

• If you need longer runtime and fewer fuel stops 

• If you want more control over your machine’s performance 

• If you need fast, easy attachment changes 

• If you want precise positioning in tight spaces 

• If you want a machine that’s easier to transport 

Learn More & Get Started

Bobcat TL519 Telehandler

At 6-feet wide and just over 13-feet long, the TL519 is the smallest telehandler in the Bobcat® lineup and can tackle big jobs on small and difficult-to-navigate worksites. The TL519 telehandler features a turbocharged, 74-horsepower engine that delivers powerful, high-torque performance and excellent efficiency. The advanced hydraulic system and two-stage, low-profile boom support a maximum rated capacity of 5,500 pounds and nearly 20 feet of lift height.

Call Your Local Bobcat of the Rockies Location For Unit Availability.

Key Specs

Horsepower 74 hp

Operating Weight 9936 lb

Rated Capacity 5512 lb

Lift Height 232 in

Auxiliary Std Flow 21.1 gal/min

Length 205 in

Length Fork Heel To Rear 157 in

Width 72.1 in

Height 76 in

Height with Operator Cab 76 in

Cab Height with Beacon 82.1 in

Wheelbase 92.9 in

Performance

Operating Weight 9936 lb

Travel Speed - High 17 mph

Travel Speed - Low 4.3 mph

Rated Capacity 5512 lb

Lift Height 232 in

Lift Height @ Rated Capacity 248 in

Bucket Breakout Force 9,723 lbf

Max Draw Bar Pull 6744 lb

Boom Breakout Force 6,744 lbf

Emissions Tier (EPA) Tier 4

Engine Cooling Liquid

Engine Fuel Diesel

Horsepower 74 hp

Displacement 146 in³

Turbocharged Engine yes

Find the Right Compact Telehandler for You

At the end of the day, it comes down to what matters most for your work. If you need a compact telehandler with better performance control, easy attachment hookup, and a longer run time, the Bobcat TL519 is the way to go. 

Ready to move forward with the Bobcat TL519? We’re happy to help you out! Contact your nearest Bobcat of the Rockies location today for pricing, financing options, or a demo.