Telescopic Handlers, or Telehandlers for short, are one of the most versatile types of equipment in the construction industry. Even if you aren’t familiar with the name, you are bound to have seen one in operation as they are present at nearly every construction site. Their utility, however, extends way beyond the field of construction. They are used in factories, tire manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, as well as many other sectors. Despite their interesting benefits, their usage in the field remains limited. This is generally because of ignorance on the part of the consumer.
A telehandler is so versatile that it is usually the first piece of machinery found at any construction site. If you are a builder who’s contemplating the benefits of purchasing a telehandler, read on to find out how efficient telehandlers are for construction sites.

What Are Telehandlers?

Telehandlers are hybrid machines that offer the ability to lift heavy loads like a forklift while offering the reach of a crane. They often refer to these telehandlers by various names like teleporter, reach forklift, boom lift, and cherry pucker. These machines are highly maneuverable and have a telescopic boom that provides the flexibility of attaching different accessories to perform different functions. The only factor that limits the flexibility and versatility of a telehandler is the availability of a suitable attachment.
In most telehandlers, the attachments only require you to change them manually, while some machines also let you switch between different attachments at the push of a button. This feature significantly increases the utility of a telehandler.
In general, telehandlers can be categorized into two basic types:

1. The standard fixed-boom telehandler is the basic telehandler that is designed for agricultural or construction purposes and has a fixed telescopic boom.
2. The rotational telehandler can rotate around the chassis. While the lower section that is in contact with the ground remains stationary, the upper section can rotate about the vertical axis.

Advantages of Using Telehandlers in Construction Sites

Telehandlers offer various advantages. Their flexibility and versatility ensure that the same machine can be used for various tasks. This makes them very efficient tools on construction sites. Here are some advantages offered by telehandlers.

Excellent Maneuverability

Telehandlers offer excellent maneuverability. Most models are equipped with dual steering axles, which makes it easy for them to navigate into tight spots. This becomes very useful when heavy loads have to be moved into hard-to-reach spots and carried through confined spaces, a situation that is often encountered in construction sites.

Off-Road Capabilities

In addition to dual-axle steering, telehandlers are also equipped with four-wheel drive, which provides them with excellent off-roading capabilities. Further, they are also provided with large tires that, aside from having a high load-bearing capacity, also allow easy travel across craggy and rough terrain that is commonly encountered in construction sites. Telehandlers are also provided with a high ground clearance, which helps them overcome obstacles.

Cost and Time Saving

The flexibility of telehandlers offers tremendous benefits. The same machine can be used as both a forklift to lift and move heavy loads and a crane with a reach of up to 30 meters. This helps in reducing expenses as the work of two machines can be done by one. Not only do telehandlers help reduce costs, but they also help save time. According to the construction equipment specialists at https://liftequipt.com.au/, telehandlers are designed to help the operator save time. They are equipped with RFID technology that helps increase the efficiency of the system and the usability of the machine.

Versatility

The high versatility of telehandlers provides them with the ability to execute a variety of tasks that otherwise would require multiple machines to perform. A variety of attachments such as pallet fork, winch, personnel bucket, tire handler, glass handlers, and many more also complement the operational capability of a telehandler. The telehandler can be used as a forklift to lift and move heavy loads, a crane to achieve a long reach, and as an elevator to lift the workers safely to complete work at a height. In fact, besides being able to replace multiple machines, telehandlers often do a better job as well. Telehandlers tend to have a better load center. This, in addition to their safety features, makes them very stable and allows them to lift higher weights to taller heights.
Telehandlers can be used to move heavy loads from one place to another and also load them in a truck. This however needs an attachment that allows the telehandler to work as a forklift. A telehandler can also be used to plow snow. This ability comes in handy during winters for removing snow from the construction site and preventing any delays in the schedule. A few more attachments that are available for telehandlers include side tile carriage, material bucket, lumber forts, grapple buckets, trash hopper, and work platforms. Each one of these attachments provides the telehandlers the ability to take on a new type of task.

Safety

The load lifting and carrying capacity of a telehandler reduce the need for employees to physically lift and carry weight, reducing the risk of injury. Furthermore, telehandlers are only meant to be operated by licensed and well-trained personnel, reducing the risk of accidents. These machines are equipped with load gauges, hose burst protection, Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS), and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) which makes them very safe to operate. Telehandlers are also equipped with load gauges that notify the user if it has been overloaded. Also, they typically have a low-mounted boom which gives the operator an unobstructed 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Telehandlers are extremely versatile, and that is their biggest advantage. With a single machine, one can perform various tasks that would normally require multiple specialized machines and operators. Thanks to their versatility, they help save not just time, but also money. Furthermore, the safety features incorporated in these machines also help prevent injuries to their operators. Telehandlers are, without a doubt, one of the most efficient and versatile equipments for a construction site.