Telehandlers in the last decade, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame in the material handling business. With good reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction industry. These machinery are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. As several manufacturers and units has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are now a few of these machinery 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 just in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other significant distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different look as it is equipped with a horizontal boom as opposed to 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 retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the specific model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 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 starts it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the main benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They could perform numerous jobs that used to take much more man-power and time to complete.