Telehandlers over the last ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame in the material handling industry. With good reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction business. These types of equipment are practical, versatile and extremely strong. As some manufacturers and models has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are presently a few of these equipment 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other significant differences between the two machinery discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different appearance as it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane than a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific unit. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They could perform numerous tasks which used to take a lot more man-power and time to do.