During the last decade, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the reputation of motorized mobile machinery. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These machines are versatile, really strong and practical. As the number of manufacturers and models has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these machinery readily available 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 only in name only. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look because it is fitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could look more like a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom can telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific model. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They could accomplish many kinds of jobs that used to take much more man-power and time to do.