In the past decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the popularity of motorized mobile machinery. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These machinery are practical, versatile and extremely powerful. Because some models and manufacturers has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are currently 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 forklift, but just in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other major differences between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance because it is equipped with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can resemble more of a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are outfitted with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the major advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to accomplish numerous jobs that used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.