During the past decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the popularity of powered mobile machinery. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These types of equipment are extremely powerful, useful and versatile. As the number of manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these equipment readily available on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. In name only, this description means it is a rough terrain forklift. 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 machines 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 can resemble more of a crane rather than a forklift. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular model. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 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.
Another optional boom related function is known as a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom would move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. Amongst the key advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They could perform many kinds of tasks which used to take a lot more time and man-power to finish.