Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great popularity in the material handling business. With excellent reason, these specific machines have become the gem of the construction industry. These machines are useful, versatile and really powerful. Because several models and manufacturers has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these machinery readily offered on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. Just in name, this description means it is a rough terrain forklift. 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 machines discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different appearance since it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond that depends on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to roughly 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 another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this option have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel back and forward, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They could accomplish many jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.