During the past ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the reputation of powered mobile equipment. These machinery have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These machines are practical, versatile and extremely strong. Since several manufacturers and models has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these machines 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 only in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other significant differences between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different look since it is fitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could resemble more of a mobile crane instead of a forklift. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" because of 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 option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel back and forward, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the main advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They are able to accomplish many kinds of jobs that used to take much more time and man-power to complete.