During the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the reputation of powered mobile machinery. These machinery have become the gem of the construction business and with good reason. These types of machines are versatile, very strong and practical. As some manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are currently a number of these machinery readily available on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. Just in name, this description means it is a rough terrain lift truck. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are several other major differences between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look as it is outfitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could resemble more of a mobile crane rather than a lift truck. The boom could telescope or retract and extend as long as 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific model. 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 famous with the operators.
One more optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom would move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. One of the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They can perform many types of tasks which used to take much more man-power and time to do.