Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great popularity within the material handling business. With excellent reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction business. These kinds of machinery are really powerful, practical and versatile. Since some units and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these equipment readily offered on the market.
In technical terms, a telehandler is considered to be an ITA* Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. This description means it is a rough terrain forklift, but just in name only. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on operation and on sight. There are several other major differences between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance because it is outfitted with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could resemble more of a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom could telescope or retract and extend as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific model. The boom can also 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 outfitted 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, 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 One of the key advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They could perform numerous tasks that used to take much more man-power and time to complete.