Telehandlers over the last decade, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great popularity in the material handling business. With good reason, these specific machines have become the gem of the construction industry. These machines are very strong, practical and versatile. Because some manufacturers and units has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these machines 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 some other major differences between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance because it is outfitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom could telescope or extend and retract as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific unit. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 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 that are outfitted with this option have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel back and forward, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks can be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They could perform many tasks that used to take a lot more man-power and time to finish.