In the past decade, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the reputation of motorized mobile machines. These machinery have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of machinery are versatile, extremely strong and useful. As several manufacturers and models has exploded during the last 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 just in name only. 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 major differences between the two machines discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different look as it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could resemble more of a crane than a lift truck. The boom can retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to 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, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the major advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They could accomplish many tasks which used to take a lot more man-power and time to do.