Over the past decade, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the reputation of motorized mobile machinery. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These kinds of machines are extremely powerful, practical and versatile. Because several models and manufacturers has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machinery 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other significant differences between the two equipment discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different look because it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane than a forklift. The boom can retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are outfitted with this option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire 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 Amongst the main advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load with no snags or cleanly and the forks can be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They can accomplish many types of tasks which used to take much more time and man-power to do.