Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the popularity of powered mobile equipment. These machinery have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These equipment are really powerful, useful and versatile. As some units and manufacturers has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are presently a few of these machinery readily available 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 just in name only. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different appearance as it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could resemble more of a crane than a forklift. The boom could 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 been referred to as "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom will move forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. One of the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They could perform many tasks that used to take a lot more man-power and time to finish.