Telehandlers in the last decade, is also known as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great fame within the material handling business. With good reason, these specific equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These machines are really powerful, useful and versatile. As the number of units and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now a number of these machinery 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 lift truck, but only in name only. 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 major distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look since it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane rather than a forklift. The boom can retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "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 which are equipped with this alternative 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, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to perform many types of jobs which used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.