Over the past ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the reputation of motorized mobile equipment. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These machinery are extremely powerful, useful and versatile. Since the number of models and manufacturers has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machines 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other major differences between the two machines discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look as it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or retract and extend as long as 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different 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 activates it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They could perform numerous tasks which used to take much more man-power and time to complete.