Over the past ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the reputation of motorized mobile machines. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These types of machinery are versatile, extremely strong and practical. Since some manufacturers and units has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these equipment readily offered on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. Just in name, this description means it is a rough terrain forklift. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on operation and on sight. There are several other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance because it is outfitted 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 forklift. The boom could telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous 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. Among the main advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to accomplish many jobs that used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.