Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the reputation of motorized mobile machines. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These equipment are versatile, very powerful and practical. Because the number of manufacturers and models has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machines 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 forklift, but only in name only. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other significant differences between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance as it is equipped 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 rather than a forklift. The boom can telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular 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 forward and back, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to accomplish numerous jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.