What is a Telehandler? The Ultimate Guide

What is a telehandler? These versatile giants are the construction Swiss Army knives, adept at handling any challenge presented. 

Featuring an extendable boom and is equipped with various attachments to fit your operations needs, telehandlers excel in versatility. 

Learn how these vehicles seamlessly transition from transporting pallets to pouring concrete and how they embody efficiency and adaptability in this comprehensive guide.

Let’s dive in!

What Is a Telehandler?

 

If you have ever been to a construction site, you have probably seen a telehandler. Also called telescopic handlers, these machines are true heroes on the work site, keeping operations flowing seamlessly.

But what exactly is a telehandler? Let us break it down.

Definition of a Telehandler

A telehandler is a hydraulic lifting machine used to carry and place materials. With their telescopic boom, these machines can extend and retract, reaching high places and precisely move heavy loads.

Depending on what is next on your to-do list, you can equip the boom with different helpers – from forks to buckets and even platforms to turn it into a sturdy MEWP (mobile elevating work platform).

Key Features of a Telehandler

Telehandlers are known for their versatility and ability to handle rough terrain. They are equipped with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance, allowing them to navigate uneven surfaces.

Some key features of telehandlers include:

• Telescopic boom for extended reach.
• Various attachments for different tasks.
• Four-wheel drive for rough terrain.
• High load capacity.
• Compact size for maneuverability.

Advantages of Using a Telehandler

One of the biggest advantages of using a telehandler is its versatility. With the ability to switch out attachments, a single machine can handle a wide range of tasks, from material handling to elevating work.

Thanks to their snug size and the agility of four-wheel steering, telehandlers shine when it comes to getting around tight spots. This makes them ideal for working in tight spaces or navigating crowded sites.

Types of Telehandlers

 

Now that we have covered what is a telehandler, let us jump into the array of types you can find. Even though they all share the basics, different telehandlers exist for specific jobs.

Compact Telehandlers

Compact telehandlers, like the Genie telehandlers are designed for maneuverability in tight spaces. They are perfect for working in crowded urban areas or navigating narrow job sites.

Despite their small size, compact telehandlers offer impressive lift capacities and reach heights. Some models even feature four-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability.

High-Reach Telehandlers

High-reach telehandlers are the best choice when you need to reach great heights. These machines come with long booms that make it a breeze to hoist materials right up to the top floors of any building.

Ever wonder how they get those roof tiles or windows up on really tall buildings? That is where high-reach telehandlers come into play, making such tasks seem almost effortless in construction sites.

Heavy-Duty Telehandlers

For tough jobs, heavy-duty telehandlers provide the muscle. These machines have higher load capacities and powerful engines, allowing them to easily handle heavy materials.

Heavy-duty telehandlers are often used in industrial applications, such as mining or heavy construction, where durability and strength are paramount.

Rotating Telehandlers

Rotating telehandlers take versatility to the next level with a 360-degree rotating turret. Allowing the operator to place loads anywhere around the machine without repositioning.

Rotating telehandlers are ideal for applications that require precise placement, such as installing prefabricated components or working in confined spaces.

Telehandler Applications and Uses

Telehandlers are true multi-taskers, capable of tackling jobs across various industries. Let us look at some of the most common applications for these versatile machines.

Construction and Building

What is a telehandler used for in the construction industry? From lifting and moving heavy materials to providing access to elevated work areas, telehandlers are used all over the industry. They can handle everything from steel beams and concrete blocks to palletized goods and scaffolding.

Telehandlers equipped with work platforms offer a cost-effective solution for elevating personnel, combining excellent lift capacity with the reach to place workers exactly what is needed.

Agriculture and Farming

Now what is a telehandlers job on the farm? Well thanks to their ability to navigate rough terrain and handle awkward loads. Telehandlers are used for stacking hay bales, moving feed and seed, and performing maintenance on barns and other structures.

Many agricultural telehandlers feature enclosed cabs with air conditioning and filtration systems to keep operators comfortable during long days in dusty environments.

Industrial and Manufacturing

 

What is a telehandler used for in an industrial settings? Telehandlers move materials around warehouses and manufacturing facilities. They are great for transporting goods from receiving areas to production lines, load and unload trucks and place items on high shelves.

Some industrial telehandlers use non-marking tires and emission-free electric motors for indoor use, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.

Landscaping and Maintenance

Telehandlers are commonly on landscaping and maintenance jobs, particularly compact models that can maneuver in tight spaces. Think of them as your go-to for transporting things like pavers or bags of mulch and heaps of gravel—and do not forget the plants—across any job site.

For facility maintenance applications, telehandlers provide a versatile solution for both indoor and outdoor work. They work great for everything from changing light bulbs in high ceilings to repairing roofs and gutters.

Telehandler Safety and Operation

 

While telehandlers are super handy, they do not come without their challenges. Proper training and safety precautions are essential to prevent accidents and ensure efficient operation.

Understanding Load Charts

One of the most critical aspects of telehandler safety is understanding load charts. These charts specify the maximum load capacity at various boom extensions and angles.

Overloading a telehandler can cause it to tip over, leading to injuries or fatalities. Operators must know how to read and interpret load charts to stay within safe working limits.

Proper Training and Certification

OSHA requires that telescopic handler operators be trained and certified before using the equipment. Training should cover pre-operation inspections, load charts, refueling procedures, and emergency protocols.

Many employers and rental businesses offer operator certification programs to ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote best practices.

Pre-Operation Inspections

Before firing up a telehandler, operators should perform a thorough pre-operation inspection. Do not forget to give your vehicle a quick health check, looking over fluid levels, tires, and attachments. Also, ensure those warning lights are off, as well as making sure the safety gadgets are working.

Report any damage, malfunctions, and repairs before the machine is back in service. Regular inspections help catch potential issues early, preventing costly downtime and accidents.

Safe Operating Practices

When operating a telehandler, safety should always be the top priority. Some critical safe operating practices include:

• Wearing the seatbelt at all times.
• Traveling with the boom retracted and load as low as possible.
• Avoiding excessive speeds and sudden movements.
• Maintaining a safe distance from power lines and other hazards.
• Using a spotter when working in congested areas or with limited visibility.

Comparing Telehandlers to Other Equipment

 

While telehandlers are incredibly versatile machines, they are not always the best choice for every job. Let us compare them to other common types of equipment to help you make an informed decision.

Telehandler vs. Forklift

Forklifts are a staple in many industries but with some distinct differences from telehandlers. Forklifts are primarily designed for indoor use on flat, level surfaces, while telehandlers can handle rough terrain and outdoor environments.

Telehandlers also have greater lift capacities and reach heights than most forklifts, thanks to their telescopic booms. However, forklifts are typically more maneuverable in tight spaces and have lower operating costs.

Telehandler vs. Crane

Cranes are dedicated lifting machines that can hoist heavy loads to great heights. They are used in construction and industrial applications when maximum lifting capacity is required.

While telehandlers can not match the sheer lifting power of cranes, they offer greater versatility and mobility. Telehandlers can transport loads across a job site, while cranes are typically stationary or have limited mobility.

Telehandler vs. Boom Lift

Boom lifts, known as cherry pickers, are aerial work platforms for elevating personnel. They come in both articulating and telescopic models, depending on the application.

While some telehandlers come equipped with work platforms, their primary use is in material handling tasks. On the other hand, Boom Lifts are dedicated to lifting personnel and have limited lifting capacity for materials.

Telehandler vs. Scissor Lift

Telehandlers are geared towards material handling versatility and outdoor maneuverability, with telescopic booms allowing them to navigate rough terrain and lift heavy loads efficiently.

Conversely, scissor lifts excel in providing stable, secure platforms for vertical tasks, particularly indoors, offering ample space and weight capacity for workers and equipment. Deciding between the two depends on job specifics such as the need for material handling, mobility, and workspace stability.

Choosing the Right Equipment for the Job

Picking between a telehandler and other machines? Make sure to weigh up what your project needs first. Ask yourself questions like:

• What types of materials will I be lifting?
• How high do I need to reach?
• Will I be working outdoors or indoors?
• Do I need to transport loads across the job site?
• What are my budget and operating cost constraints?

By carefully evaluating your needs and comparing the capabilities of different machines, you can select the equipment that will get the job done safely and efficiently.

Common Questions About Telehandler

What’s the difference between a forklift and a telehandler? 

A forklift is best for short-range lifts in tight spaces. Telehandlers reach further and can handle rough terrain.

What is a Telehandler Manufacture

While their are many different manufactures of telehandlers, Conger recommends JLG or Genie telehandlers as they produce durable, built to last products with a wide range of vehicles to suit your operational needs.

What is a telehandler used for?

Telehandlers tackle lifting tasks on various terrains, moving heavy materials to heights or distances where other machines can not go.

Why is a telehandler called a lull?

“Lull” refers to one brand of telehandlers known early on. The name stuck around as generic shorthand by some folks.

What is a telehandler’s max height?

The maximum height of a telehandler, can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Generally, telehandlers can reach heights ranging from around 15 feet (4.5 meters) to over 50 feet (15 meters).

Conclusion

Picture having a whole crew of workers packed into one compact machine that is capable of lifting, moving, and placing materials wherever you need it. That’s what a telehandler offers.

From construction sites to farms to industrial settings, telehandlers are the versatile jobsite workhorses that keep projects progressing smoothly.

It’s a game-changer, plain and simple and now that you understand its capabilities, it’s time to integrate one into your next project. Once you witness firsthand the power and adaptability of a telehandler, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.