Telehandlers in the last ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain forklift, has gained great popularity in the material handling business. With good reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction business. These types of machines are versatile, very powerful and practical. As some manufacturers and units has exploded during the past 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 vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are several other major distinctions between the two machines discussed below.
A telehandler has a completely different appearance since it is fitted with a horizontal boom as opposed to a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can look more like a mobile crane instead of a forklift. The boom is able to telescope or extend and retract to lengths of 30 feet and beyond depending on the particular unit. The boom could also elevate to an angle from horizontal to about 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather famous with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers which are equipped with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator starts it, the whole boom to travel forward and back, particularly for distances up to eight feet or so. One of the key advantages of this function is that it enables the forks to be withdrawn from a cargo cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been changed by zoom booms. They are able to perform many jobs which used to take much more time and man-power to do.