In the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the popularity of motorized mobile equipment. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of machines are practical, versatile and very strong. Since several manufacturers and models has exploded over the last 5 years or so, there are currently 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 forklift, but only in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other significant distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look because it is equipped with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could look more like a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom can telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond which depends on the specific model. 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 popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the major advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks can be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been changed by zoom booms. They can accomplish numerous tasks which used to take a lot more man-power and time to do.