Over the past ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of motorized mobile machines. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These machines are practical, versatile and really strong. Since several manufacturers and units has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are currently a few of these equipment readily offered on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. Just in name, 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 sight and on operation. There are some other significant distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance as it is equipped 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 lift truck. The boom could telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular model. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 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 another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this option 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 Amongst the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They can accomplish numerous kinds of jobs which used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.