In the past ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the reputation of powered mobile machinery. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These equipment are really strong, useful and versatile. Since several models and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now a few of these equipment 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 telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other significant differences between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance as it is outfitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could look more like a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond which depends on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 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 alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction industry. They are able to perform numerous tasks that used to take a lot more man-power and time to finish.