Everyone is familiar with how a forklift works. By using a powerful motor to lift heavy objects, these vehicles are an essential part of so many industries, as they allow large freight to be easily moved from place to place. However, forklifts have one major disadvantage: their size. Since they are relatively small vehicles, they are limited in the amount that they can carry. There will be times when you need a vehicle that offers the same functionality as a forklift, but on a much larger scale. Luckily for you, though, there’s just such a vehicle readily available- a telehandler.
“Telehandler” is the generally used term within the industry, but you might hear them referred to by a few different names, including teleporter, boom lift, or telescopic handler. All of these names give you a clue as to how these machines work. They possess the “fork” of a forklift, but the crucial difference is that this fork comes attached to a boom. This means that not only can the fork move up and down, but it can also be extended forwards and backwards from the telehandler itself. In practice, this makes them more like a mini crane than a forklift- so you can see why they are an extremely useful tool to have available.
The telescopic boom of a telehandler can provide lift heights of up to 50 feet, allowing the operator to reach and place heavy objects that would otherwise be well out of the reach of conventional machinery. There are a range of different attachments that can be used with telehandlers, and which one you use will largely depend on the industry you work in. Within the industrial sector, most telehandlers are fitted with pallet forks. That way, even if materials and equipment need to be lifted up onto a rooftop, handlers can do this with ease. Telehandlers are also a popular choice in the agricultural industry, where they come fitted with a bucket or bucket grab to load and unload trailers.
As well as their larger counterparts, compact telehandlers are also available. These are handy for when you’re working in tight spaces, where a bigger vehicle wouldn’t fit. That way, you get the best of both worlds- the maneuverability and compactness of a forklift, but with all the reach and strength of a standard telehandler. Plus, most telehandlers, large and small alike, come fitted with sensors that warn the handler if they are pushing the vehicle too hard with excessive freight. As well as stopping the telehandler from getting damaged, this also keeps the handler safe at all times.
The only downside to telehandlers is that since they are such hefty pieces of equipment, they tend to be fairly expensive to buy outright. However, you can easily avoid this issue by hiring a telehandler instead- companies like UK Forks give great rates on their telehandlers, and allow you to choose the right solution to your problems, every time. What’s more, they also have a UK-wide network of depots, so you can quickly and easily get what you need. So, if you’re in the market for a powerful, versatile lifting solution, a telehandler could be just what you’re looking for- so why not hire one today from one of the best telehandler rental companies?
