Telehandlers: The Ultimate Lifting Machines for Every Job Site
Telehandlers, also known as telescopic handlers or telehandler forklifts, are versatile machines used in a wide
range of industries to lift, move, and place heavy objects. These machines have become an essential tool on job
sites around the world, and Ritchie List provides a wide variety of used telehandlers for sale for individuals and
businesses.
What is a telehandler and why is it called a telehandler?
A telehandler is a machine that combines the capabilities of a forklift with a telescoping boom that can extend
forward and upward, giving it greater reach than a traditional forklift. The telescoping boom of a telehandler
allows it to perform a wider range of tasks than a forklift, including reaching over obstacles or across gaps. The
term "telehandler" comes from the telescopic boom that characterizes the machine.
Telehandlers are often equipped with other features, such as stabilizers and outriggers, that allow them to operate
safely on uneven terrain. They can also be fitted with a variety of attachments, including buckets, forks, and jibs,
which increase their versatility and allow them to perform a range of functions.
Main features and capabilities of a telehandler
Telehandlers come in a range of sizes and capacities, from small telehandlers that can lift a few hundred pounds to
large machines that can lift over 10,000 pounds. The maximum lift height of a telehandler can vary from under 20
feet to over 60 feet.
One of the main advantages of a telehandler is its ability to reach high and far. The telescoping boom of a
telehandler allows it to reach up and over obstacles, making it useful for tasks such as stacking materials on high
shelves or loading trucks. Additionally, the boom can be angled downward to reach objects on the ground, making it
useful for tasks such as digging or trenching.
Telehandlers are commonly used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and mining, but their versatility
also makes them suitable for use in other industries, such as warehousing and logistics.
Telehandlers vs. Forklifts
While telehandlers and forklifts are both
machines designed for lifting and moving heavy objects, there are some key
differences between the two.
Forklifts are designed primarily for indoor use and are best suited for tasks such as lifting and moving pallets of
goods in a warehouse setting. They are typically smaller and more maneuverable than telehandlers, making them easier
to operate in tight spaces.
Telehandlers, on the other hand, are designed to work in a variety of outdoor settings and are better suited for
tasks such as lifting and placing heavy materials on construction sites or farms. They are typically larger and more
powerful than forklifts, with greater lift heights and weight capacities.
One of the main differences between telehandlers and forklifts is their reach. Forklifts have a vertical mast that
can lift loads up and down, but they cannot reach out and over obstacles in the same way that a telehandler can.
Telehandlers have a telescoping boom that can extend forward and upward, allowing them to reach over obstacles and
across gaps.
Another key difference is the types of attachments that can be used with each machine. Forklifts typically use forks
or clamps to lift and move loads, while telehandlers can use a wider range of attachments, such as buckets, pallet
forks, and jibs, to perform a range of functions.
Overall, while telehandlers and forklifts share some similarities, they are two distinct machines designed for
different purposes. Choosing the right machine for a particular task will depend on factors such as the weight and
size of the load, the terrain and obstacles on the job site, and the required reach and versatility of the machine.
Applications of Telehandlers
Telehandlers are versatile machines that are used in a wide range of industries for a variety of tasks. Some of the
most common industries that use telehandlers include construction, agriculture, mining, and landscaping.
In the construction industry, telehandlers are used for tasks such as lifting and placing heavy materials like steel
beams and roof trusses, as well as for digging and grading with the use of attachments such as buckets and backhoes.
They are also used for transporting materials around a job site, as well as for loading and unloading trucks and
trailers.
In agriculture, telehandlers are used for tasks such as lifting and stacking hay bales, loading and unloading grain
and feed, and moving and positioning heavy equipment such as irrigation systems. They are also used for tasks such
as digging and grading, as well as for handling large amounts of soil and other materials.
In the mining industry, telehandlers are used for tasks such as moving and positioning heavy equipment and
materials, as well as for excavating and grading with the use of specialized attachments. They are also used for
transporting materials around a mine site, as well as for loading and unloading trucks and trailers.
In landscaping, telehandlers are used for tasks such as lifting and positioning trees, shrubs, and other plants, as
well as for moving and spreading large amounts of soil and mulch. They are also used for tasks such as digging and
grading, as well as for transporting materials around a job site.
Overall, telehandlers are valued for their versatility and adaptability across a wide range of industries and
applications. Whether you need to lift, move, or dig, a telehandler can likely be configured to meet your specific
needs.
Popular Brands and Models of Telehandlers
There are several popular brands of telehandlers on the market, each offering a range of models with unique
features and capabilities. Some of the most well-known brands include:
JCB
JCB
is a popular brand that offers a wide range of telehandlers, including the JCB 540-140 HiViz, which
boasts a
maximum lift capacity of 9,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 44 feet. The JCB 535-140 HiViz is another
notable model, featuring a maximum lift capacity of 7,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 44 feet.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar
is another well-known brand that offers a range of telehandlers, including the Cat TH514D, which
boasts a maximum lift capacity of 11,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 45 feet. The Cat TL642D is
another
popular model, featuring a maximum lift capacity of 6,500 pounds and a maximum lift height of 42 feet.
Manitou
Manitou
is a French brand that offers a range of telehandlers, including the Manitou MT 625 H, which boasts a
maximum lift capacity of 5,500 pounds and a maximum lift height of 19 feet. The Manitou MT 1440 is another
notable model, featuring a maximum lift capacity of 8,800 pounds and a maximum lift height of 44 feet.
Genie
Genie
is an American brand that offers a range of telehandlers, including the Genie GTH-5519, which boasts a
maximum lift capacity of 5,500 pounds and a maximum lift height of 19 feet. The Genie GTH-844 is another
popular model, featuring a maximum lift capacity of 8,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 44 feet.
JLG
JLG
is a well-known brand that offers a range of telehandlers with excellent lifting capacity, reach, and
stability. One of its most popular models is the JLG G10-55A, which has a maximum lift capacity of 10,000
pounds and can lift up to a height of 55 feet. JLG telehandlers are designed to be
versatile and easy to use, with features such as smooth controls, excellent visibility, and durable
construction. They are a popular choice for various applications, including construction, agriculture, and
industrial projects.
Buying a Telehandler
If you're in the market for a telehandler, Ritchie List is here to help you find great deals on telehandlers
for sale near you.
When you start your journey for telehandlers, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the
right
purchase. First, consider your specific needs and the tasks you'll be using the telehandler for. This will
help you determine the appropriate lift capacity, lift height, and other features you'll need.
Additionally, it's important to consider your budget. While new telehandlers can be expensive, buying a used
telehandler for sale can provide significant cost savings. Just be sure to carefully inspect the machine and
ensure it's in good working condition before making a purchase.