Telehandlers in the past decade, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame within the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction business. These machinery are useful, versatile and really strong. As some units and manufacturers has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are presently a few of these equipment readily offered 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 just in name only. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other major differences between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different appearance since it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could resemble more of a crane than a forklift. The boom can retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the particular unit. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are equipped 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 back and forward, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They can perform numerous tasks that used to take much more man-power and time to do.