Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great popularity in the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these specific machines have become the gem of the construction business. These machinery are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. As the number of manufacturers and units has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are now a number 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 forklift, but only 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 distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different look because 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 is able to telescope or retract and extend as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" because of 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 option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the major advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They could perform many jobs which used to take much more man-power and time to finish.