During the past ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of motorized mobile equipment. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of equipment are practical, versatile and very powerful. Because several manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are currently a few of these machines 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 several other significant differences between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look since it is equipped with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane rather than a forklift. The boom can extend and retract or telescope 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 approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is called a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts it, the boom will move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. Amongst the major benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They could accomplish many tasks which used to take much more man-power and time to finish.