Over the last decade, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of motorized mobile machinery. These machines have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These equipment are useful, versatile and very powerful. As the number of units and manufacturers has exploded during the last 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. 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 differences between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different look because it is equipped with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can resemble more of a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract as long as 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular model. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is called a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts it, the boom will move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. One of the major advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They can accomplish many jobs that used to take much more man-power and time to do.