Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have surpassed the popularity of powered mobile machines. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These kinds of machines are versatile, extremely powerful and useful. As the number of manufacturers and units has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are presently a number 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 only 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 major differences between the two equipment discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has an entirely different appearance since it is designed with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance could look more like a crane than a forklift. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 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.
Another optional boom related function is referred to as a "Transaction". The telehandler outfitted with this option mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts it, the boom will move back and forward for distances up to 8 feet or more. One of the major benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load with no snags or cleanly and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They could accomplish numerous jobs which used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.