Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great popularity within the material handling business. With good reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction business. These kinds of machinery are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. Because some manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a number of these machinery readily offered 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 operation and on sight. There are some other significant distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance as it is fitted 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 forklift. The boom can retract and extend or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond that 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.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the key advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They could accomplish many tasks that used to take a lot more time and man-power to do.