Telehandlers in the last ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great fame within the material handling industry. With good reason, these particular machinery have become the gem of the construction business. These equipment are practical, versatile and extremely powerful. As the number of manufacturers and units has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machines 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 telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look since it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can resemble more of a crane than a forklift. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular 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" 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 activates it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They could perform numerous jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.