In the past decade, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the reputation of powered mobile equipment. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These equipment are practical, versatile and extremely strong. As some models and manufacturers has exploded during 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance since it is equipped with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane instead of a forklift. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel back and forward, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load with no snags or cleanly and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They are able to perform many jobs which used to take much more time and man-power to complete.