TELEHANDLERS

A hybrid crane forklift, a telehandler can also be fitted with other attachments like a
bucket, muck grab, or winch. It can also be fitted with a platform attachment to act as
a boom-lift.
The extendable boom on a telehandler can usually be elevated at a 70-degree angle
and extend out as far as 30 feet or further. The max weight restriction of an individual
telehandler is determined by a mix of factors including boom extension, angle, the
type of attachment and wind speed.
Telehandlers have a maximum lift capacity ranging from 4,400 to 12,000 lbs,
depending on the size of the equipment. However maximum lift capability cannot be
reached at maximum reach and should always be used with care.

Uses of a telehandler
The telehandler is a truly versatile piece of equipment. The extendable boom and
ability to use a variety of attachments gives the telehandler many different
applications.

 Vertical boom lift: The telescoping boom can lift and extend to reach
distant heights.
 Horizontal boom extension: Just as the boom extends for height, it also
extends to reach farther distances without moving the equipment closer.
 Fork tilt up and down: The fork attachment on the end of the boom tilts to
angle the prongs up or down. It helps with manoeuvring objects more
accurately.
 Stabilizers up and down: There are two stabilizers on the front end of the
body that help it maintain balance while lifting objects.
 Frame levelling: If you’re dealing with particularly rough terrain, frame
levelling will ensure the equipment remains horizontally even by tilting the
axles appropriately.
Machines Similar to telehandlers:

1. FORKLIFTS
In the construction industry we often use the terms "telehandler" and "forklift" to
refer to the same machine. But the reality is that a telehandler and a forklift are
actually two different pieces of equipment. Knowing the difference is important
whether you're renting or buying.

2, JIB BOOM CRANE

Jib crane is a small and medium-sized lifting equipment developed in recent years. It
has a unique structure, safety and reliability, high efficiency, energy-saving, time-
saving, labor-saving, flexible and other characteristics.

2. WHEEL LOADER
A loader is a heavy equipment machine used in construction to move or load materials
such as soil, rock, sand, demolition debris, etc. into or onto another type of machinery

WHY A TELEHANDLER?

1. The main difference between a telehandler and a wheel loader is the telehandler's
extended reach capabilities for high elevation projects.
2. Forklifts typically lift loads vertically whereas telehandlers are used to lift loads
forwards, backwards and side to side. Telehandlers—or "telescoping handlers"—
can do this by extending their boom at a diagonal angle.
3. A telehandler has the ability to have several attachments that can do the work of
backhoes, loaders and tractor loaders.
4. Telehandlers are better suited for rugged and uneven terrain. telehandlers have a
triangular footprint, they're better able to remain stable in rocky terrain. Some
models come with hydraulic systems or outriggers for further stability, which can
help if you're operating the telehandler on a slope.

TYPES OF TELESCOPIC HANDLERS

The two main types of telescopic handlers are the fixed boom telehandler and the
rotating 360 slew telescopic handler.

 Fixed boom telescopic handler

The most popular type of telehandler is the fixed boom telescopic handler.
This standard type of telehandler has a fixed cab and a fixed boom that
points forwards. This type of telehandler is suitable for most jobs. Benefits
of fixed boom telescopic handlers include excellent stability on rough
terrain, heavy-duty lifting capabilities, and a boom that can reach long
distances. Fixed boom telescopic handlers are ideal for working in wide-
open spaces like farms and construction sites.

 Rotating 360 slew telehandler

Rotating 360 slew telehandlers have a cab and a boom that can be rotated
360 degrees whilst the base of the machine remains stationary. The 360 slew
telehandler has superior manoeuvrability when compared to a fixed boom
 telescopic handler. It is an excellent choice if you are going to be working in
tight or hard to reach spaces as it can reach in all directions without needing
to move its base. Rotating telehandlers have reasonable lifting capabilities
but are generally not designed to lift very heavy loads.

Sizes of telehandlers

As well as the two different types, telescopic handlers also come in a variety of
different shapes and sizes, each with different lifting capabilities.

 Compact – Compact telehandlers are used when the weight being lifted is
not too heavy and does not need to be lifted too high. Generally, super-
compact telescopic handlers can lift a maximum weight of 2.5 tonnes to a
maximum height of about 6 metres, whilst a compact telehandler can lift
up to 4 tonnes to a maximum height of around 10 metres.
 Standard lift – A standard telehandler usually has a maximum weight
capacity of 2 to 6 tonnes which it can lift to a height of between 6 and 11
metres.
 High lift – If you require a telehandler that can lift its load very high, there
are high lift telescopic handlers that can take weights of 3 to 6 tonnes and
lift them up to 17 metres plus and JCB telehandler booms out to 20 metres.
 Heavy load – Jobs involving very heavy loads will require the help of a
heavy load telehandler. This type of telehandler can handle loads weighing
up to around 7.5 tonnes.

Choosing a telehandler for a job:

here are multiple factors you should consider before choosing a telehandler for
your needs.

 Capacity.
 Height
 Reach
 Turning Radius
 Boom Pivot Pin
 Tires
 Steering
 Accessories

Just as using the right type of telehandler is very important to site safety, so is
ensuring that the appropriate person is operating the telescopic handler. The person
operating the telehandler should be qualified and competent in the role.
Construction businesses have a duty of care to their employees, the best way to
ensure that telescopic handlers are operated safely is to ensure that all telehandler
operators possess certification from an accredited qualification that proves their
competence in the role.

Attachments for a telehandler:

1. FORKS

Forks are the most common attachment for a telehandler as the boom allows for easy
lifting of materials and cargo from the ground up to aerial heights.

2. BUCKET ATTACHMENTS

Forklift and bucket attachments are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to allow
for easy scooping, loading, lifting, and moving of material from the ground to a loft or
to load into a truck.

Accessories that can be added onto a telehandler:

Accessories help to diversify the ability of a machine in terms of efficiency.

Examples include:

 Side-tilt carriage
 Material bucket
 Cubing forks
 Pallet forks
 Lumber forks
 Grapple buckets
 Work platforms
 Truss jib
 Trash hopper
 Snowplow attachment

TELEHANDLER HAZARDS

1. Never operate a telehandler without first receiving proper training.

2. Never operate a telehandler on a Job-site if it is not safe to do so.

Injuries involving telehandlers can occur in the following ways;

 Moving – and strikes a pedestrian, particularly while reversing;
 Lifting – and overturns trapping the operator or person nearby.

How to control risks involving telehandlers:

It is important to select the right vehicle for the job and site. There are a number of
precautions that can reduce the risk of persons being struck or the vehicle overturning.
There are several ways to prevent injuries and maintain a safe work environment at
the construction site.
These are:
 Visibility: Select telehandlers with the best view around them directly from
the driver position.
 Rear visibility: Visibility to the rear may present a significant hazard. The
vehicle should be equipped with adequate aids so drivers can see areas where
people may be at risk. A signaller may be needed in some circumstances.
 Forward visibility: Similarly, when in operation with the boom raised and
other configurations, there may be a significant 'blind spot' to the front right-
hand side of the vehicle.
 Ground conditions: Working on sloping, uneven or unstable ground can be
hazardous. Telehandlers normally require prepared, flat, graded surfaces to
operate safely. Even rough-terrain lift trucks have strict operational limits that
need to be observed.
 Loading: Overloading can be prevented by selection of the correct vehicle and
good management. Moving with a raised load is dangerous and should be
avoided at all times.
 Speed: a site speed limit should be established. Driving at excessive speed
around corners can cause the vehicle to overturn.

Practices for safe operation:

 Always follow manufacturing guidelines and weight restrictions.
 Never operate a telehandler without receiving proper training.
 Always check blind spots and use general equipment operation safety practices
to keep you and fellow workers safe.
 Organize work projects away from ground personnel and always be aware of
people working around the machine.
 Always wear a seat belt.
 Never lift anyone with a skid steer attachment.

TRAINING AND COMPETENCE

Drivers and pedestrians must be trained and competent regarding the telehandler
hazards and precautions:

 Drivers should be trained, competent and authorised to operate the specific

telehandler used. Training certificates from recognised schemes help
demonstrate competence and certificates should be checked for validity; and
 Pedestrians should be instructed in safe pedestrian routes on site and the
procedure for making drivers aware of their presence.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

A programme of daily visual checks, regular inspections and servicing schedules

should be established in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the risks
associated with each vehicle.
Drivers should be encouraged to report defects or problems. Reported problems
should be put right quickly and the excavator taken out of service if the item is safety
critical.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Telehandler hire works as a replacement for hiring forklift trucks, aerial platforms,
and cranes during the construction of new buildings, including roofs and coverings,
even in slopes or tight spaces.

With their telescopic booms, telehandlers can reach higher and further than forklift
trucks, with greater stability on rough terrain - so they can transport goods and
materials up to builders working at heights, or up to other machines as they are
working. Attaching a bucket can enable telehandlers to lift aggregates including
gravel, earth, and bricks, to builders.

With a man basket, telehandlers can lift the builders themselves where scaffolding is
unnecessarily expensive, such as on construction projects of moderate height. They
outperform aerial platforms used for this instability, load capacity, and width.

A lifting hook or winch attachment can enable telehandler operators to perform the
work of a crane in tight access areas where a crane cannot reach. Telehandlers can lift
and place pre-cast materials such as roofs and coverings onto buildings under
construction.