Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the reputation of motorized mobile machines. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of machines are very powerful, useful and versatile. As several units and manufacturers has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these equipment readily offered on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. In name only, 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 operation and on sight. There are several other major differences between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance because it is outfitted with a horizontal boom as opposed to 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 extend and retract as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom can 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 popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are equipped with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They could perform many tasks which used to take much more time and man-power to do.