If you’re in the market for a telehandler, it’s essential to choose the right one for the job, and there are many different makes and models available, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best telehandlers for specific jobs. Whether you’re looking for a machine that can handle heavy loads or one that is compact and easy to manoeuvre, we’ve got you covered.

So read on to learn more.

What Are Telehandlers and What Are Their Uses?

Telehandlers are an increasingly common type of construction machine.

They are sometimes called telehandlers, telescopic handlers, or telescopic boom forklifts. Telehandlers are designed to lift and move heavy objects. They are often used for lifting and moving heavy materials in construction projects and are also used in warehouses and other industrial settings.

Their telescopic booms allow them to lift and move loads to great heights without putting strain on their operators. Telehandlers are incredibly versatile machines, and they can serve a variety of purposes, such as:

  • Telehandlers are small trucks with extendable booms that can lift heavy loads.
  • Telehandlers are often used in construction, landscaping, mining, and many other industries. The main benefits of telehandlers are their mobility, versatility, and ease of use.
  • Telehandlers are easy to drive and manoeuvre around small spaces due to their size. They are also versatile, as they can easily lift heavy loads and transport them long distances.
  • Finally, they are easy to operate and require little maintenance. For these reasons, telehandlers are an increasingly common tool for many industries.

The Different Types of Telehandlers Available

Telehandlers are a type of forklift truck that can perform several functions.

These include lifting and moving loads vertically, sideways, and horizontally. They can also be used to move loads in cramped spaces where a traditional forklift truck would be too large to fit.

Telehandlers consist of a telescopic boom that extends and retracts hydraulically. This boom is connected to the truck by a boom carriage connected to the forklift’s chassis by a pivot joint.

Depending on the model, telehandlers have different lifting heights and capacities. For example, some models can reach up to 10 metres and lift 3 tons.

Other models can reach up to 12 metres and lift to 6 tons. The boom carriage on a telescopic handler is composed of two main parts: the telescopic frame and the boom carriage itself.

The frame consists of many bearings and springs that allow it to adjust to varying loads and distances to the ground. The boom carriage houses the internal winch mechanism for the boom and the counterweights for lifting heavy loads.

The boom carriage can either be attached to the truck’s chassis by a pivot joint or be fully hydraulic for smoother actuation and less wear and tear. There are three main types of telehandlers:

Compact telehandlers

A compact telehandler is perfect for loading and unloading trucks or minor construction work.

Their compact size makes them ideal for working in limited spaces and on narrow roads. Compact telehandlers are typically used on construction sites, warehouses, and other industries where space is limited, and the loads need only be moved a short distance.

Rough Terrain Telehandlers

Rough terrain telehandlers are similar to compact telehandlers but can withstand tough working conditions.

They are ideal for transporting loads over rough terrain involving mud, gravel, uneven surfaces, and other challenging conditions. They are commonly used to transport aggregates but can also be used in other industries where challenging operating conditions are common.

Rough terrain telehandlers can lift to 8 tons and reach heights of 12 metres. Rough Terrain Telehandlers have been used for years to transport aggregates and other construction materials in challenging conditions where it is otherwise impossible.

Heavy-Load Telehandlers

Heavy load telehandlers are designed to lift and transport very heavy loads.

They are often used to transport building materials that would be too heavy for conventional telehandlers. Heavy load telehandlers are mainly used in the construction industry to transport larger building materials.

They are typically used for transporting cement, stone, gravel, and other heavy materials. Heavy load telehandlers can lift to 25 tons and reach heights of 20 metres or more.

Different models of telehandlers are available depending on their lifting capacity or height, along with their boom length or width of the load carriage. The two primary types of telehandlers are rough-terrain telehandlers and heavy-load telehandlers.

Rough terrain telehandlers are compact and easy-to-operate telehandlers that are used to transport loads over challenging terrain. Although they can be used for various purposes, rough terrain telehandlers are mostly used in the construction industry to lift and transport construction materials such as stones, sand, gravel, soil, mulch, concrete mix, etc.

Whereas heavy-load telehandlers are much larger machines designed to handle very heavy loads. They often transport construction materials such as cement, stone, gravel, soil, etc.

How to Choose the Right Telehandler for the Job

Choosing the right telehandler for the job depends on some factors such as your budget, the conditions in which the telehandler will be used, and the type and size of the loads you will be transporting. We’ll look at these factors and discuss them in detail below.

Budget

Your budget will be a major determining factor in the type of telehandler you buy. While some telehandlers can cost more than £100,000, the majority of telehandlers cost between £20,000 and £50,000. Of course, the more features you want, the more you should expect to pay for your telehandler.

Load Capacity

The telehandler’s load capacity will determine what it is capable of lifting. As such, you should ensure that the telehandler you choose can lift the heaviest load you will likely come across.

Working Conditions

The working conditions that the telehandler will be working in will largely determine the type of telehandler you buy. For example, if you use the telehandler in muddy conditions, you should look for a telehandler with heavy-duty tracks. In contrast, if you use the telehandler in sandy conditions, you should look for a telehandler with heavy-duty wheels.

Load Types and Dimensions

You should consider the type and size of loads that the telehandler will be lifting or carrying. While a smaller telehandler would be capable of carrying lighter loads, a large telehandler would be capable of carrying heavier loads.

Telehandler Safety

Because of the high loads that telehandlers can lift, the risk of injury is very high. This is why you should only operate a telehandler if you are trained and qualified.

Before operating a telehandler, you should get the proper training and qualifications to operate the telehandler safely. Choosing a proper training course is very important.

Ensure that your training course meets OH&S requirements, is conducted by a reputable organisation, and has qualified instructors. You must thoroughly inspect the telehandler before using it to ensure that the equipment is in good working order.

Ensure the tyres are properly inflated and the tracks are in good condition. If any of these factors is not in order, you should not use the equipment until it has been fixed or replaced.

Tips for Using a Telehandler Safely and Effectively

1. Lifting Power

The lift capacity defines the maximum height to which the telehandler can lift an object. The capacity of the telehandler also depends on the load that the telehandler is lifting. However, the telehandler’s lifting capacity is important as it helps determine its suitability for different jobs.

2. Operating Height

Extending the telehandler’s operating height to its maximum height is essential, as it increases its lift capacity and reduces operator fatigue. The operating height of the telehandler varies depending on the size and type. However, the operating height is usually between 4 m and 12 m.

3. Boom Length

The length of a telehandler’s boom is its longest arm. The length of the boom is important for jobs that require a longer reach, such as tree trimming and construction site construction. The length of a boom usually ranges from 2.5m to 7m.

4. The Telehandler’s Width

The width of the telehandler refers to the widest part of the telehandler between the wheels and the boom arm, and this width determines how much it can lift. The width of the telehandler varies according to its size and type. The width of a telehandler is usually between 2 m and 3 m.

5. Overall Height

The total height of the telehandler refers to the height of its driver’s cab and boom combined. The total height of the telehandler usually ranges between 5m and 13m.

6. Turning Radius

The telehandler’s turning radius is the minimum area that the telehandler can rotate in without coming into contact with the obstacles in its path.

This primarily determines the telehandler’s manoeuvrability and working environment – the smaller the turning radius, the easier it is to operate the telehandler in tight spaces and around obstacles. Telehandler safety because of their lifting capacity. All telehandler operators must be properly trained and qualified to operate the telehandler safely.

Operators should remember that operating a telehandler is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry and that potentially fatal accidents can occur if an operator is not properly trained or operates the telehandler outside its comfort zone. Before operating a telehandler, you should get the proper training and qualifications to operate the telehandler safely.

You must thoroughly inspect the telehandler before using it to ensure that the equipment is in good working order. Ensure the tyres are properly inflated and the tracks are in good condition. If any of these factors is not in order, you should not use the equipment until it has been fixed or replaced.

Common Telehandler Jobs and Their Benefits

Telehandlers can be a powerful addition to a company’s workforce. Telehandlers can raise and lower loads over great distances, making them very useful for various jobs. This article will detail some of the most common telehandler jobs and the benefits of employing telehandlers.

1. Moving Heavy Loads

The telehandler can move supplies from one place to another on-site. It is not difficult to move supplies because a lot of supplies can be transported in a short time. The supplies take a shorter time because the telehandler decreases the time required for transporting them.

2. Infrastructure Repair

Telehandlers can also be used for completing repairs in harsh environments, like construction sites, large industrial areas, and coal mines. Telehandlers can move heavy objects, like stones, and insert them into holes or lift them above workers’ heads.

3. Used in the Waste and Recycling Industry

The waste and recycling industry is very large. In many areas, waste and recycling companies are expanding into new markets and industries, so it is becoming increasingly important for waste and recycling companies to have reliable vehicles.

4. Construction Sites

Telehandlers are needed on most construction sites. Telehandlers can make several jobs easier, like placing concrete, lifting bricks, and moving supplies from storage buildings to the foundations of a building under construction.

Conclusion

Telehandlers are versatile machines that can be used for various tasks on job sites, and as we have seen, they come in different sizes and types, so it’s essential to choose the right one for the job.

With the proper training, using a telehandler can be safe and effective. A telehandler may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for a machine to help you get the job done quickly and safely.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the best telehandler for your needs.