Over the past ten years, telehandlers, also known as rough terrain variable reach lift trucks, have exceeded the reputation of powered mobile machinery. These machines have become the gem of the construction industry and with excellent reason. These types of machinery are really strong, useful and versatile. As some manufacturers and models has exploded over the past 5 years or so, there are now a number of these equipment 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 sight and on operation. There are some other major distinctions between the two machinery discussed below.
A telehandler has an entirely different appearance as it is fitted with a horizontal boom rather than a vertical mast. From a distance, a telehandler with a jib attachment can resemble more of a mobile crane instead of a lift truck. The boom is able to extend and retract or telescope as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom can also elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have been called "zoom booms" because of their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
Another optional boom related function is called a "Transaction". The telehandler equipped with this alternative mounted on the chassis. When the operator activates it, the boom would move forward and back for distances up to 8 feet or more. Among the major advantages of this function is that it allows the forks to be cleanly withdrawn from a cargo and the forks can be cleanly inserted under, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction industry have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They can accomplish numerous tasks which used to take much more time and man-power to complete.