In a warehouse, a forklift usually needs to do two things: pick up the load and move it to the designated position. But on outdoor job sites such as construction sites and farms, things are often more complicated. The equipment may not be able to get directly to the unloading point, while the load may need to be lifted to a certain height and extended forward to reach its final position.
This is where a telehandler is needed.
A telehandler can use its telescopic boom to move a load forward while lifting it, extending the working range of the equipment. This allows the machine to place loads at higher or farther positions while maintaining a certain operating distance.
So, how does a telehandler work? What types of jobs actually require a telescopic boom? And what parameters should you consider when choosing one?
This article explains how a telehandler works, where it is commonly used, and what to consider when selecting a model, with LTMG telehandlers as a practical reference.
What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler is a material handling machine that uses a telescopic boom as its main working mechanism. Forks or other attachments are mounted at the front of the boom. During operation, the boom can be raised, lowered, extended, and retracted to adjust the position of the load. These movements allow the machine to change both the height of the load and its distance from the vehicle.
A telehandler typically consists of the following main components:
Chassis: Supports the entire machine and working equipment and provides the basic support required for travel and operation.
Cab: The operator controls the vehicle and the movements of the telescopic boom from the cab.
Telescopic boom: The core working mechanism of the machine, which can be raised and lowered and extended or retracted according to the job requirements.
Forks or other attachments: Mounted at the front of the telescopic boom for picking up, moving, or handling different types of loads. Depending on the machine model and configuration, other suitable attachments can also be used.
Telehandler vs Forklift: What Is the Difference?
Both conventional forklifts and telehandlers can be used for material handling, but their main lifting structures and operating methods are different.
In simple terms:
A conventional forklift mainly uses a vertical mast to lift loads, while a telehandler uses a telescopic boom to change both the height and forward position of the load.
1. Different Structures
The most obvious difference between the two machines is their main lifting structure.
Comparison | Conventional Forklift | Telehandler |
Main lifting structure | Vertical mast | Telescopic boom |
Fork position | Mounted in front of the mast | Mounted at the front of the telescopic boom |
Load movement | Mainly vertical lifting | Vertical lifting + forward/rearward extension |
The mast of a conventional forklift mainly handles vertical lifting, while the boom of a telehandler can extend forward, giving the operator more flexibility in positioning the load.
2. Different Operating Methods
When handling loads with a conventional forklift, the vehicle usually needs to get close to the load and unloading position before using the mast to lift the load to the required height.
A telehandler can not only lift the load but also extend the boom to change the distance between the load and the vehicle. When the machine cannot get directly to the target position, the boom can be extended to move the load farther forward.
For example, a construction site may need to move a pallet of materials to an elevated platform. If the forklift can get directly beside the platform, a conventional forklift may be able to complete the lifting operation. If the machine needs to remain some distance from the platform, both lifting height and forward reach need to be considered, making a telehandler more suitable for this type of operation.
3. Different Working Conditions
The two types of forklifts are also suited to different working environments.
Conventional forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, factories, loading areas, and similar locations. These environments generally have defined travel paths and loading areas, allowing the vehicle to get relatively close to the load and target position.
Telehandlers are more commonly used in construction, agriculture, and other outdoor applications. When a load needs to be lifted to a certain height and moved farther forward from the vehicle, the telescopic boom provides the required working capability.
In simple terms:
If the load and target position are both easy for the machine to approach, a conventional forklift can usually handle the job. If the operation requires both high lifting and forward reach, a telehandler should be considered.
LTMG Telehandler Range
LTMG's telehandler range includes FT25, FT30, FT35, FT40, FT50, and FT60, with rated capacities from 2.5 to 6 tons. Different models provide different lifting heights and forward reach capabilities.
Model | Rated Capacity | Maximum Lift Height | Maximum Forward Reach |
2,500 kg | 5,850 mm | 3.3 m | |
3,000 kg | 7,000 mm | 3.2 m | |
3,500 kg | 7,000 mm | 3.2 m | |
4,000 kg | 9,800 mm | 4.5 m | |
5,000 kg | 9,800 mm | 4.5 m | |
6,000 kg | 17,600 mm | 12 m |
The specifications of different telehandler models show that rated capacity, lifting height, and forward reach need to be matched to the actual working conditions rather than selecting a model based only on rated capacity.
What Applications Are Telehandlers Suitable For?
Telehandlers are mainly used for high-level material handling, long-reach load placement, and demanding outdoor operations. Common applications include:
1. Construction
Telehandlers can be used to handle bricks, steel, panels, palletized materials, and other loads, moving materials from the ground to elevated positions or to designated locations in front of a building.
2. Agriculture
They can be used to handle hay bales, feed, palletized goods, and other materials, with suitable attachments selected according to the material and specific application.
3. Outdoor Material Handling
Telehandlers are suitable for construction material yards, engineering sites, outdoor storage, and other applications where loads need to be placed at elevated or distant positions in less structured working environments.
When determining whether a telehandler is suitable for a particular job, two questions can be considered first:
How high does the load need to be lifted?
How close can the vehicle get to the target position?
If both conditions place requirements on the equipment, the required lifting height, forward reach, and corresponding load capacity should be checked.
What Parameters Should You Consider When Choosing a Telehandler?
Once you have determined that a telehandler is required, the next step is to select a model based on the actual working conditions.
1. Start with Load Capacity
First, determine the maximum weight of the load that needs to be handled, then select a machine with a suitable rated capacity.
When the load is close to the machine's rated capacity, you should not choose a model based only on its tonnage. The machine's capacity at the required lifting height and forward reach also needs to be confirmed.
2. Check the Required Lift Height
Determine where the load needs to be placed, such as a high storage position, construction platform, or other elevated location, and then calculate the required lifting height.
A greater maximum lift height does not mean that the machine can maintain its rated capacity at the highest position. For heavy loads requiring high-level handling, the load capacity at the required height should also be checked.
3. Confirm the Required Forward Reach
Forward reach is an important parameter when selecting a telehandler.
First determine where the vehicle can be positioned, then estimate the distance between the vehicle and the final load position. For example, if the vehicle needs to remain in front of a building while the load needs to be placed farther inside, the required forward reach should be confirmed based on this distance.
The maximum forward reach and maximum rated capacity should not simply be considered achievable at the same time. As the boom extends farther, the actual load capacity can change, so the relevant load data should be checked.
4. Check the Load Center
If the load is large or its center of gravity is farther from the forks, the load center also needs to be considered.
For example, two 3-ton loads may have different load requirements if their centers of gravity are positioned at different distances from the forks. Therefore, it is useful to provide the load weight, dimensions, and load center when selecting equipment.
The selection process can be summarized as:
Load weight → Required lift height → Required forward reach → Load center → Actual capacity under the working conditions
For example, handling a 4-ton load does not necessarily mean that a 4-ton telehandler will be suitable. If the load also needs to be lifted to a high position and the boom needs to extend significantly, the actual load capacity at that position must be confirmed.
Conclusion
The key feature of a telehandler is its ability to lift and extend the load at the same time, making it suitable for high-level or long-reach material handling.
If you are not sure which telehandler is suitable for your application, contact LTMG and provide your load weight, required lift height, and forward reach. Our team can help you confirm the appropriate configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Telehandler Replace a Crane?
Not always. A telehandler can handle certain lifting and long-reach tasks, but cranes are designed for different lifting applications. The right equipment depends on the specific job requirements.
2. Can a Telehandler Use Different Attachments?
Yes, depending on the model and configuration. Forks and other attachments can be used for different material handling tasks.
3. Is a Telehandler the Same as a Telescopic Forklift?
Yes. Telehandler and Telescopic Forklift are both commonly used to describe this type of equipment.