Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the reputation of powered mobile machines. These equipment have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These kinds of equipment are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. As some manufacturers and units has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are currently a few of these machines 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 operation and on sight. There are several other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look because it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can resemble more of a crane than a forklift. The boom could retract and extend or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends 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" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous 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 entire boom to travel back and forward, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the key advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks could be inserted underneath cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction industry. They can perform many tasks that used to take a lot more man-power and time to finish.