Aerial Equipment 101: What Is a Telehandler?

A telehandler, also known as a telescopic handler, is a versatile piece of heavy equipment commonly used in construction, agriculture, and other industries that require lifting, moving, and placing heavy objects. A telehandler is a multi-purpose machine that combines the capabilities of a forklift and a crane, with the added feature of a telescoping boom.

Telehandlers have a cab for the operator and a telescopic boom that can be extended or retracted to reach different heights and distances. The boom can also be fitted with various attachments such as pallet forks, buckets, or lift tables, allowing the telehandler to perform a wide range of tasks.

Telehandlers come in various sizes and capacities, with lift heights ranging from 18 feet to over 50 feet and lift capacities ranging from 4,000 pounds to over 20,000 pounds. They can be powered by diesel engines, electric motors, or hybrid systems.

 4 Ton 8M Telescopic Handler

Uses of Telehandlers

Telehandlers are used in a variety of industries for various applications, including:

• Construction: Telehandlers are commonly used in construction to move and place materials such as lumber, steel beams, and concrete blocks. They can also be used to lift workers to different levels on a construction site.

• Agriculture: Telehandlers are widely used in agriculture for tasks such as loading and unloading hay bales, transporting and positioning feed, and moving heavy equipment.

• Manufacturing: Telehandlers are used in manufacturing facilities to move and position heavy equipment and materials.

• Mining: Telehandlers are used in the mining industry for tasks such as loading and unloading materials, transporting equipment, and working in tight spaces.

• Warehousing and logistics: Telehandlers are used in warehouses and logistics facilities to move and position heavy goods.

Features of Telehandlers

Some of the features that make telehandlers so versatile and useful include:

• Telescoping boom: The telescoping boom allows the operator to extend or retract the boom to reach different heights and distances.

• Multiple attachments: Telehandlers can be fitted with various attachments such as pallet forks, buckets, or lift tables, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks.

• Maneuverability: Telehandlers are designed to be highly maneuverable, with features such as four-wheel steering and crab steering, making them easy to operate in tight spaces.

• All-terrain capabilities: Telehandlers are designed to operate on a variety of terrains, including rough terrain, making them suitable for outdoor applications.

• Operator comfort: Telehandlers are designed to provide a comfortable and safe working environment for the operator, with features such as air-conditioned cabs and ergonomic controls.

• Safety features: Telehandlers are equipped with various safety features such as load sensing systems, overload protection, and stability control systems to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Maintenance of Telehandlers

Like any heavy equipment, telehandlers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Some of the maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly include:

• Daily inspections: Before using a telehandler, the operator should perform a visual inspection of the machine to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

• Lubrication: Telehandlers have many moving parts that require regular lubrication to prevent wear and tear and ensure smooth operation.

• Fluid changes: Telehandlers require regular fluid changes for the engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

• Filter changes: Filter for the engine, hydraulic system, and air intake should be changed regularly to prevent contamination and ensure proper operation.

• Brake maintenance: The brakes on a telehandler should be checked regularly and serviced as needed to ensure safe operation.

• Electrical system maintenance: The electrical system on a telehandler should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation

We offer a wide range of forklifts and telescopic telehandlers, welcome to contact us.