Telehandlers in the past decade, is also known as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great fame in the material handling industry. With good reason, these specific equipment have become the gem of the construction industry. These machines are extremely powerful, useful and versatile. Since some units and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are now 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 lift truck, 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 distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance since 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 lift truck. The boom can retract and extend or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
One more 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 forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. Among the main benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have revolutionized the construction business. They could perform numerous kinds of tasks which used to take much more man-power and time to complete.