Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have exceeded the reputation of motorized mobile machinery. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These equipment are useful, versatile and really powerful. As some manufacturers and units has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are now 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 only 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 significant differences between the two machinery discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different look as it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane rather than a forklift. The boom is able to retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 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 which are outfitted with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to accomplish numerous kinds of jobs that used to take much more man-power and time to finish.