Telehandlers in the last decade, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame within the material handling business. With good reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These kinds of equipment are versatile, extremely powerful and practical. Since some models and manufacturers has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machinery 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 lift truck, but only 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 significant differences between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look because it is outfitted 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 forklift. The boom could retract and extend or telescope 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 roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
One more optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler outfitted with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom will move forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They can accomplish many tasks which used to take much more man-power and time to finish.