Telehandlers over the last ten years, is also known as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great fame in the material handling business. With excellent reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction industry. These kinds of machinery are versatile, really strong and practical. As several manufacturers and models has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are now a number 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 only 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 differences between the two machines discussed below.
Compared to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different look because it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane than a forklift. The boom could telescope or retract and extend as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
One more optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates 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 Among the main benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
Zoom booms have changed the construction business. They can perform numerous kinds of tasks that used to take a lot more time and man-power to do.