Telehandlers: lifting, reaching and placing loads

A telehandler (telescopic handler, or reach forklift) is a four-wheel-drive machine with a telescopic boom that can lift loads high and forward. With pallet forks it places materials onto upper floors and roofs; with buckets it loads; with a jib or winch it lifts like a small crane; and with a certified platform it can carry people.

JCB introduced the first modern telehandler, the Loadall, in 1977.

Types of telehandlers

• Construction telehandlers: typically 3–5 t (6,600–11,000 lb) capacity and 12–18 m (40–60 ft) lift height. The most common type on building sites.
• High-capacity telehandlers: 6–12 t+ for heavy industry, mining and steel.
• Rotating telehandlers (roto): the boom sits on a 360-degree slewing upper structure with outriggers, combining telehandler, crane and work platform in one machine. Lift heights reach 20–35 m (65–115 ft).
• Agricultural telehandlers: shorter, faster machines with lift heights around 6–9 m (20–30 ft) for loading feed, bales and grain.
• Compact telehandlers: under 2.5 m (8 ft) tall for barns and tight sites.

Reading a load chart

A telehandler's capacity falls dramatically as the boom extends forward. A 4-tonne, 17-metre machine might lift only around 1 tonne at full forward reach. Always use the load chart in the cab, and remember that most modern telehandlers have load moment indicators that warn the operator or cut out boom functions to prevent tipping.

Steering modes

Most telehandlers offer two-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steer, giving excellent manoeuvrability on tight sites.

Choosing a telehandler

Decide on the highest placement height and heaviest load at the reach you actually need. Consider frame levelling for uneven ground, stabilisers for maximum height, and which attachments you will use. Operators normally need specific training and certification.