Telehandlers in the last decade, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great popularity in the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These types of machinery are useful, versatile and really powerful. As the number of units and manufacturers has exploded over the last 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. Just in name, this description means it is a rough terrain forklift. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other significant differences between the two machinery discussed below.
Compared 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 can look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular model. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 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 which are equipped with this option 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, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They can perform numerous jobs that used to take much more time and man-power to complete.