Telehandlers over the last ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great fame within the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these specific equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These equipment are versatile, extremely powerful and practical. As several units and manufacturers has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these machinery readily available 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 sight and on operation. There are several other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different look as it is outfitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could look more like a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler outfitted with this alternative mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts it, the boom would move forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They could perform many tasks that used to take a lot more time and man-power to do.