In the past decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the popularity of powered mobile machines. These machines have become the gem of the construction business and with excellent reason. These types of machinery are versatile, extremely powerful and practical. As the number of manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these equipment 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 lift truck. 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 differences between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different appearance since it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to retract and extend or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is called a "Transaction". The telehandler outfitted with this alternative mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom will move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. Amongst the key advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They could perform numerous tasks which used to take a lot more time and man-power to finish.