In the last decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of motorized mobile equipment. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These machinery are practical, versatile and extremely powerful. Because several models and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these machinery readily available on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. Just in name, 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 machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance as it is equipped with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could 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 specific unit. The boom could 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 popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the whole boom to travel back and forward, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks could be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to accomplish many kinds of jobs which used to take much more time and man-power to complete.