Business

What is a telehandler, and what are its advantages?

Telehandler is short for the telescopic handler. Telehandler can be described as a versatile hydraulic lifting unit used in farming, agricultural and construction sectors. One common confusion that people face is whether to opt for a telehandler or a lorry crane. A telehandler is smaller than a lorry crane and has the capabilities of a forklift with the lifting range of a crane. Lorry cranes are bigger and mainly used to lift and transport heavy loads from one location to another. If you are based in Kulim and are looking for lorry cranes, check out lorry crane Kulim.

Telehandlers

Most modern telehandlers are hybrid units that combine the load-lifting capacities of a forklift with the lifting range of cranes. The telehandler units generally come equipped with a telescopic boom that can be fitted with a wide variety of attachments to perform many functions. A quick hitch design allows operators to safely and quickly change the extension depending on the needs of the task.

Benefits of telehandlers

Heavy lifting

Telehandlers can lift heavy loads when fitted with the correct attachment. Forklifts act in one direction while telehandlers have the freedom to move diagonally. Therefore, a telehandler works where a forklift cannot. The increased maneuverability allows the telehandlers to access tight spaces and odd angles with the extendable boom. The stabilizers in the case of telehandlers provide extra safety and stability when lifting heavy loads.

Versatility

The telescopic boom in the case of the telehandler is the reason behind the unit’s versatility. A wide range of interchangeable attachments can be attached to the boom’s end using the quick hitch mechanism. A few examples of telehandler attachments are:

  • Forklift carriages
  • Crane jibs
  • Scoop and bucket attachments
  • Work cage or platform

The variety of attachments combined with the versatility of telehandlers allow for significant cost savings since these can replace the need for the company to hire additional capital equipment like elevating work platforms or cranes.

On and off-road capacities

Telehandlers come with four-wheel drive features. This allows the unit to operate on the road and off-road. The units are fitted with oversized tires that can support heavy loads’ lifting and transport while allowing the vehicle to travel quickly through rough and uneven terrain. Search terrains are most often observed in the case of building sites, agricultural grounds for farms, or mining sites.

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Increased levels of safety

Telehandlers can maneuver and hydraulically lift hefty loads. This reduces the need for the employees to undertake manual lifting tasks, which can put their health in jeopardy. Telehandlers are only operated by trained and qualified operators, which reduces the chance of accidents occurring on sites. Operators must take corrective training and have a license to use the unit.

Caution

The telehandler must never be pushed beyond the specified lifting capacity as well as heights. If the telehandler works beyond its limits, it increases the risk of injury and equipment damage.