Over the last decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the reputation of powered mobile machinery. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These equipment are practical, versatile and really powerful. As the number of units and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are currently a few of these equipment 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 several other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look since it is fitted with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom can retract and extend or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are equipped 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 back and forward, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the main advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They could perform many tasks which used to take much more time and man-power to finish.