Telehandlers over the past ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame within the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction industry. These types of machinery are versatile, extremely powerful and practical. Because the number of models and manufacturers has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these equipment readily available 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 major distinctions between the two machines 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 can look more like a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom can telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "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 outfitted 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, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They are able to accomplish many types of tasks that used to take much more time and man-power to finish.