Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame in the material handling industry. With excellent reason, these particular equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These types of equipment are practical, versatile and really strong. As several models and manufacturers has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are now a number of these equipment readily available 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 telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are several other major distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different appearance since it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane than a lift truck. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular unit. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "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 which are equipped 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. Among the major benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.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 revolutionized by zoom booms. They could perform numerous tasks that used to take much more time and man-power to complete.