Telehandlers over 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 machines have become the gem of the construction business. These kinds of machinery are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. As the number of models and manufacturers has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are presently a number 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 lift truck, but just in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other major differences between the two machinery discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look because it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane than a forklift. The boom could telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific model. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 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.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this option have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel back and forward, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They could accomplish many jobs which used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.