Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame in the material handling business. With excellent reason, these specific equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These machines are useful, versatile and extremely strong. As several manufacturers and units has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are currently a few of these machines 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different appearance because it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. 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.
One more optional boom related function is known as a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts 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 One of the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They can perform many kinds of jobs which used to take much more man-power and time to complete.