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Telehandler forklifts are versatile machines used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and mining to carry and lift heavy loads. They are popular because they can work well in open and tight spaces, on different terrains, and while attached to various implements. When choosing a telehandler forklift, buyers need to decide on the type suitable for their operation based on the reach, lift, and load requirements they need to fulfil.
Following are the different types of telehandler forklifts available for sale.
Fixed-frame telehandlers have a rigid chassis and are designed for heavy lifting. The long and fixed telescopic arm enables operators to extend the forklift's horizontal or vertical reach. This forklift handle large loads even at long distances. Due to its strength, this type is widely used in mining and construction to move concrete blocks, steel beams, and other heavy equipment.
Rotating or 'rotator' telehandlers have a boom that rotates 360 degrees horizontally. This capability allows the forklift to place loads precisely in hard-to-reach areas. Operators can use the load at any position, making it ideal for construction work, such as pouring concrete for floors of tall buildings. However, its complex design increases maintenance costs.
A collapsible telehandler forklift is quite different from the fixed-frame and rotating models. The notable feature of this model is the ability of the telescopic boom to collapse, making it significantly more compact. It offers medium-duty load handling. Because it can fit small areas, it is suitable for construction sites within cities or locations with limited accessibility. However, compared to others, the collapsible type has less stability and is not suitable for heavy loads.
As the name suggests, side-entry telehandlers have a cab mounted at the sides rather than the front of the machine. The reason behind this design is that the telescopic arm can extend from either side of the cab. This model, usually with a smaller frame, is preferred in agriculture, especially for stacking bales of hay or small pallets in barns or tight spaces. Although easy to manoeuvre, it has a short reach compared to other types.
Heavy-duty telehandlers are best suited for tough jobs. They are robust, durable, and designed to lift extreme weights. They feature reinforced booms and can operate in rugged terrain. They are widely used for mining, moving large machinery, and in any business where telehandlers experience enormous pressure and high-risk conditions.
Understanding the specifications and upkeep requirements for a telehandler forklift is crucial for buyers. These factors influence the performance, durability, and efficiency of the equipment and help buyers calculate the total costs. Hence, buyers should well grasp the differences between various models, especially those concerning the following.
Some of the primary specifications to pay attention to include:
Good maintenance extends the life of telehandler forklifts while maximising performance.
The versatility of telehandlers means they find uses in many industries beyond just construction and farming.
Farmers widely use telehandlers to carry and pile goods on farms with rough and smooth ground. They use grapple attachments to harvest crops and forks to stack pallets of fertiliser, feed, and equipment inside storage barns. Some models even have a bucket for use like a front-end loader in fields.
In both building and civil works, contractors use telehandlers to lift beams, bricks, concrete blocks, and other materials up to rooftop levels. Their outreach enables work from further away, cutting the need to use scaffolding or extra lifting gear. This ability is highly useful for erecting tall structures in confined spaces.
Heavy-duty telehandlers are suitable for carrying mined commodities such as ore, minerals, and metal. The long boom allows working in deep, narrow pits while the reinforced build copes with extreme weights and bumpy ground.
Telehandlers can also help warehouse managers and logistic firms handle stock. Offered with fork attachments, they stack pallets in high racking safely using their reach. They are capable of loading and unloading lorries and transporting stock around large industrial sites.
Telehandlers frequently assist in rural jobs where there is no access to other powered vehicles, such as installing utility poles, pipelines, or telecom masts. Their combination of 4WD, high-clearance, and load-lifting capacities makes them ideal candidates for remote site work over rough terrain.
Telehandlers play a crucial role on the temporary structures scene, from stages and towers to seating and shelters. Their ability to manoeuvre in confined areas and lift heavy materials makes them ideal for outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
Buyers consider several important factors when selecting a telehandler
A1: Yes, most modern telescopic handlers, especially those designed for rough terrain, come with a four-wheel-drive system. The four-wheel drive delivers better traction and stability, enabling the handler to traverse uneven, steep, and slippery surfaces safely.
A2: While both are material-handling machines, the main distinction lies in the telehandler's long, extendable arm—this enables lifting and reaching greater distances and heights than a standard forklift. Standard forklifts cannot handle as heavy loads as telehandlers can. Another difference is that telehandlers are designed for outdoor and off-road use, whereas standard forklifts are meant for flat indoor surfaces.
A3: Yes, like any heavy machinery, telehandlers come with specific load limits. Their load-carrying ability varies with the boom's extension length. Further, the longer the boom is extended, the less weight the telehandler can lift. Move the load to a closer position for greater lifting capacity.
A4: Most telehandlers work on diesel fuel. However, electric telehandlers exist that are ideal for indoor usage or areas where harmful emissions need to be controlled.
A5: Telehandlers come with different steering systems depending on the number of steerable wheels. Inline steerer wheels allow for conventional car-like front-wheel steering. Crabbing telehandlers, with all wheels steerable, enable them to move sideways, offering greater precision in confined areas. Therefore, steerable wheels simply mean controlling which wheels rotate to change the direction of the telehandler.