Over the past ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the reputation of motorized mobile equipment. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of equipment are versatile, extremely strong and practical. Since several models and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are presently a few 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 some other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different look as 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 rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. The boom could also 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 which are equipped with this option have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks could be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They can accomplish many jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to finish.