During the past decade, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of powered mobile machines. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These machines are very strong, practical and versatile. Since the number of manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these equipment readily available on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. In name only, this description means it is a rough terrain lift truck. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on operation and on sight. There are several other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look because it is equipped with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane rather than a forklift. The boom can telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the entire boom to travel back and forward, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the key advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They could perform many jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to finish.