In the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the reputation of powered mobile equipment. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These machinery are versatile, very strong and useful. As several manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other significant distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance since it is equipped with a horizontal boom rather than 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 is able to telescope or retract and extend to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. The boom is also able to 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 famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are outfitted with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They could accomplish many tasks which used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.