If you’ve ever driven by a construction site, you’ve probably seen a telehandler. These versatile machines are also known as telescopic handlers and are true workhorses. Sure, you’ve seen them, but what exactly is a telehandler? Let’s take a look at what they can do.
A telehandler is a hydraulic lift machine used to move and place heavy materials. Armed with a telescopic boom, telehandlers can extend and retract, reach high places and make moving heavy loads a breeze.
Telehandlers can also be outfitted with forks, buckets and platforms to transform them into whatever you need for your application.
Some key features of a telehandler
Known for their versatility and ability to handle rough terrain, telehandlers are four-wheel drive units with a high ground clearance allowing them to get around the job site easily. Some other key features of telehandlers include:
- A telescopic hydraulic boom
- Ability to add attachments like forks and buckets
- Equipped with four-wheel drive
- Compact size and easy to maneuver
Advantages & Applications for Telehandlers
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to choosing a telehandler. By switching attachments, operators can use a single machine to accomplish a wide range of tasks. Thanks to their small but mighty size telehandlers can squeak into tight spots and get the job done. Their telescopic reach is usually anywhere from 6 to 17 meters (20’ to 55’). From navigating tight spaces to tackling rough terrain, a telehandler is a true asset on any jobsite.
Construction and Building
In the construction industry, a telehandler can perform tasks like lifting and moving heavy materials to providing a platform for elevated work areas. When you equip a telehandler with a platform, you will get a cost-effective solution for lifting everything from people to materials and place them exactly where you need them.
Agriculture and Farming
Telehandlers are also a huge asset on the farm, thanks to their amazing ability to handle rough terrain while moving awkward loads. They can be used for everything from moving hay bales, moving feed and help perform maintenance on barns and outbuildings. You can even get a telehandler with an enclosed cab to protect you from those long days in the heat or the cold.
Industrial and Manufacturing
In an industrial setting, a telehandler can move material around a warehouse and is great for transporting goods from receiving areas to production lines and the sales floor. Their ability to reach the highest shelves is a huge help in a warehouse setting.
Landscaping
Telehandlers and landscaping go hand in hand, particularly the super compact models that can fit into tight spaces. These machines are the go-to for transporting pavers and gravel, saving your back and making the day more productive.
Telehandler Safety
While telehandlers are super handy on any jobsite, they do have their challenges. Proper training and safety precautions are essential to prevent accidents.
When operating a telehandler, safety should always be top of mind. Safe operating practices include:
- Wearing the seatbelt at all times.
- Traveling with the boom retracted and the load as low as possible
- Avoiding excessive speeds and sudden, jerky movements
- Maintaining a safe distance from power lines and other ground or overhead hazards
- Using a spotter when working in tight spaces or around crowds
Comparing Telehandlers to Other Equipment
While telehandlers are incredibly versatile machines, they aren’t always the best choice for every job. Let’s compare telehandlers to other common jobsite machinery:
Telehandler vs. Forklift
Forklifts are the most common equipment and used in many industries. They are designed for indoor use on flat and level surfaces. Telehandlers can handle rough terrain and outdoor environments. A telehandler also has better lift capabilities and can reach higher than most forklifts, thanks to their telescopic booms. Forklifts are better at moving in tight spaces and generally have a lower operating cost.
Telehandler vs. Crane
You can’t beat a crane for lifting power, but a telehandler does offer better versatility and movability. Telehandlers can move loads across a jobsite while a crane is usually set in place and offer less mobility.
Telehandler vs. Boom Lift
Boom lifts, or cherry pickers, are aerial work platforms for elevating personnel. While some telehandlers can be equipped with work platforms, their main use is for moving material.
Telehandler vs. Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts provide a stable and secure platform for workers. They are used mostly indoors and have a large and stable space for overhead work. A telehandler with a platform can provide the same, but a telehandler can navigate rougher terrain where a scissor lift can’t safely go.
Takeaways
Telehandlers are the all-purpose pocket knives on a jobsite. They can lift, reach and get just about anywhere across practically any terrain. From construction to landscaping, or on the farm, telehandlers can be customized for most any task. Looking to give one a try? Come out to see us at Mountain View Equipment Rentals. We’ll get you outfitted with a telehandler to suit your needs and provide safety training and more.
