Over the last ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach forklifts, have surpassed the reputation of powered mobile machinery. These machinery have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These kinds of machinery are versatile, really powerful and practical. As several units and manufacturers has exploded during the last 5 years or so, there are currently 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 just 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 several other significant distinctions between the two equipment discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different look because it is equipped 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 can telescope or extend and retract as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to around 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is a different optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are equipped with this alternative have a boom that is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the whole boom to travel back and forward, especially for distances up to eight feet or so. Among the key benefits of this function is that it enables the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a load and the forks can be cleanly inserted underneath, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They can accomplish numerous kinds of tasks which used to take a lot more time and man-power to complete.