During the last ten years, telehandlers, also referred to as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the popularity of powered mobile equipment. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with good reason. These kinds of equipment are useful, versatile and extremely powerful. Because the number of models and manufacturers has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a number of these equipment readily offered on the market.
The Telehandler is considered a Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. In name only, this description means it is a rough terrain lift truck. Any of the similarities between a telehandler and a vertical mast type forklift literally ends on sight and on operation. There are some other major distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance because it is outfitted with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment could resemble more of a mobile crane rather than a forklift. The boom could extend and retract or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond that depends on the particular model. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been referred to as "zoom booms" because of 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 alternative mounted on the chassis. When the operator starts it, the boom would move forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. One of the main benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo with no snags or cleanly and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They can perform numerous types of jobs which used to take much more man-power and time to finish.