Aerial Lift Basics: Telehandlers

The Basics

The telehandler is an outdoor lifting machine that is incredibly versatile because you can fit it with different attachments. The telehandler is also called a boom lift or telescopic handler. Telehandlers can have a lifting capacity of up to 12,000 lbs. and lift loads up to 50 feet in the air using its extendable boom. The extendable boom makes these machines more capable than a traditional Toyota forklift in most outdoor applications.

Where Are Telehandlers Used?

Telehandlers are used at many different job sites due to their versatility. The extendable boom and forklift attachments let the telehandler handle a multitude of jobs. These machines are commonly seen on construction job sites when lifting materials at higher elevations or picking heavy loads off trucks. They are also seen in the agricultural industry lifting bales of hay or level dirt/gravel.

Telehandlers Attachments

The ability to swap telehandler attachments is what makes this machine so versatile. The most popular attachments used on telehandlers are pallet forks, lumber forks, side-shift carriages, and material buckets. Check out the list of telehandler attachments and their purpose below.

Buckets – allows operators to clean up, spread, or load material (not designed for digging)
Carriages – dual positioning, side-shift, swing, and side-tilt carriages provide you a better ability to move material.
Forks – cubing, extensions, lumber, and pallet forks are going to help operators gain more stability and safety when moving material.
Work Platforms – allows owners to get more done by lifting materials and persons to working heights.

Telehandler Safety

Telehandlers require proper training to operate. It is extremely important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and know the machines lifting capacity. It is important to understand the terrain of a job site before operating a telehandler. The machine can tip on steep slopes and inclines since the center of gravity is skewed. Wind can also be dangerous when operating a telehandler, as it increases the possibility of turnover.

Need a Telehandler?

We sell telehandlers built by the best manufacturers, such as JLG and Genie. Shop for telehandlers today. We also have very competitive rent rates, so if you need to rent a telehandler, we can help you!

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