When it comes to versatility, the telehandler (telescopic forklift) is a winner every time. As well as being able to lift extremely heavy loads, these machines can extend and retract their telescopic forks to gain additional reach and lift height. Whether you need to organise pallets, shift loose sand, or lift personnel to a required working height, a telehandler can probably help.
Also known as telescopic handlers, reach forklifts or telescopic forklifts, telehandlers are great for lifting pallets, and some chain-suspended loads. They also allow you to access awkward locations. Some, but not all, telehandlers offer additional versatility with the ability to rotate while secured on outriggers. Telehandler training is required in order to operate all of these versatile machines.
TL;DR
- A telehandler, also called a telescopic handler or telescopic forklift, uses an extendable boom to reach further and higher than a traditional forklift.
- Its versatility comes from the boom plus a wide range of exchangeable attachments, letting one machine do the work of several.
- It is ideal for taking a load from a low delivery vehicle, moving it across site and placing it safely at height, on both industrial and agricultural sites.
- The main hazards are side-to-side stability on slopes and restricted pedestrian visibility, which correct use and secondary aids help control.
- All operators need proper telehandler training, and employers are responsible for site planning, risk assessment and communicating it.
- AFTT offers Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) accredited telehandler courses for all members of your team.
What makes a telehandler so versatile?
A telehandler is so versatile because its extendable boom combines with a wide range of exchangeable attachments to do jobs that once needed several machines. There are two main factors that work to make telehandlers so versatile. The extendable boom gives an increased degree of reach, and works in combination with an impressive range of exchangeable attachments, to give these outdoor lifting machines far more capability than a traditional fork truck. This high level of adaptability means that telescopic forklifts can often perform tasks that might previously have required multiple machines.
When should you use a telehandler?
Use a telehandler when you need to take a load from a low vehicle, move it across site and place it safely at height, especially on rough or awkward ground. The adaptability of the telehandlers gives them a wide range of uses on both industrial and agricultural sites. Their main benefit is their ability to take a load from a low delivery vehicle, transfer it across a site, and place it safely to a high location.
Most often used to lift pallet loads, a telehandler can also be used in some situations where a crane or elevated work platform might previously have been required. Telescopic handlers have a range of features that allow them to cope with a wide variety of terrains and sites. They are extremely capable, and can often access areas where conventional fork trucks might not be permitted.
How do you pick the right telehandler for the job?
Pick a telehandler by matching its specification to the load and the environment, using the required lift height, load weights and the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s vital to select a specification of telescopic handler that will give the safest load handling for the type and size of load to be transported, as well as being suitable for the operation environment. Required height of lift, load weights, and manufacturers recommendations should always be taken into account.
Although telescopic handlers are often associated with larger sites, compact models are available. These can deliver more power and provide more reach than a traditional forklift, at the same time as accessing tighter spaces.
Other considerations when selecting a telehandler include space restrictions, boom size, attachment availability, and terrain. To ensure safe and efficient telescopic handler use you should always consult carefully with your machine supplier, and refer to load charts.
The comparison below shows how a telehandler differs from a traditional forklift.
- Telehandler: extendable boom for greater reach and lift height, works well on varied and rough terrain, accepts many attachments, and can reach places a standard forklift cannot.
- Traditional forklift: fixed mast that lifts vertically, best on smooth, level indoor floors, with a more limited range of attachments.
What attachments are available for a telehandler?
A telehandler accepts far more than the standard fork carriage, including side-shift and swing carriages, crane jibs, buckets and safe work platforms. Although the most common type of telescopic forklift attachment is the traditional fork carriage, there are plenty more options available. Your choice of telehandler attachment will depend on the specific tasks you need to carry out. To ensure compatibility, it’s really important to consult with the telehandler manufacturer before selecting third party attachments.
Side-shift, side-tilt and swing fork carriages will help where precise load placement is required. A crane jib attachment will allow you to carry suspended loads, whereas a bucket attachment will easily clear up and transport loose materials. If your personnel need to gain access to awkward areas of height, a telehandler can also be fitted with a safe work platform.
What are the risks of operating a telescopic forklift?
The two main risks are side-to-side stability on slopes and restricted pedestrian visibility, both of which can be controlled with correct use and secondary aids. As with any load transportation equipment, the use of telescopic handlers carries an element of risk. The two main hazards to be aware of are side-to-side stability and pedestrian visibility. A level telehandler will retain a stable centre of gravity as loads are lifted but a sideways slope position can risk tipping. Some boom positions or larger loads can restrict visibility but the correct use of secondary aids can reduce risks associated with this.
All telehandler operators need proper telescopic handler training to gain required training certification. As with any heavy machinery, detailed site planning is necessary to identify tasks and hazards, assess risks, and develop methods to mitigate these risks. The responsibility for this planning lies with the employer who must also record it and communicate it effectively to operators and other parties involved.
It’s important to remember that operators will also require professional training in the fitting and use of different telescopic forklift attachments. Some types of load transportation, for example suspended loads, require enhanced load planning. Because of this, it’s worth bearing in mind that a telehandler may not be the most suitable machine for a particular task.
What telehandler training do you need?
You need proper, accredited telehandler training for every operator, covering both the machine and any attachments they will use. If you are considering taking advantage of the versatility and capability of the telehandler, you need to put high-quality training at the top of your priority-planning list. For this and all your forklift-training requirements, we offer Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) accredited courses for all members of your team. Get in touch today on 01438 222157 for a friendly chat, and a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a telehandler?
A telehandler is a versatile lifting machine, also known as a telescopic handler, reach forklift or telescopic forklift. It uses an extendable boom to reach further and higher than a traditional forklift, and can lift very heavy loads. It is widely used on industrial and agricultural sites.
What is the difference between a telehandler and a forklift?
A telehandler has an extendable boom that reaches out and up, while a traditional forklift has a fixed mast that lifts vertically. This gives a telehandler far greater reach and the ability to work on varied and rough terrain. A telehandler also accepts a much wider range of attachments and can reach places a standard forklift cannot.
Do you need training to operate a telehandler?
Yes, all telehandler operators need proper telescopic handler training to gain the required training certification. Operators also need professional training in the fitting and use of any attachments. Training is essential because operating a telehandler carries real risks, such as tipping and restricted visibility.
Is telehandler training a legal requirement in the UK?
Employers have a legal duty to ensure operators are adequately trained and competent before using a telehandler. The employer is also responsible for site planning, risk assessment and communicating this to operators and others involved. Accredited training is how that duty is met and how operators gain recognised proof of competence.
What can a telehandler be used for?
A telehandler is most often used to lift pallet loads and to move a load from a low delivery vehicle to a high location across a site. With the right attachments it can also carry suspended loads, clear loose materials or lift personnel to height. In some situations it can replace a crane or an elevated work platform.
What attachments can a telehandler use?
The most common attachment is the traditional fork carriage, but many others are available. These include side-shift, side-tilt and swing fork carriages for precise placement, crane jibs for suspended loads, buckets for loose materials and safe work platforms for working at height. Always consult the manufacturer before fitting third party attachments.
What are the main hazards of using a telehandler?
The two main hazards are side-to-side stability and pedestrian visibility. A telehandler stays stable on level ground, but working across a slope can risk tipping. Some boom positions or larger loads can restrict visibility, so secondary aids and correct use are important to reduce the risk.
Can a telehandler lift people?
Yes, a telehandler can be fitted with a safe work platform so personnel can access awkward areas at height. This kind of work requires careful planning and proper training. As with all telehandler use, the employer is responsible for assessing and controlling the risks involved.
Does AFTT offer telehandler training?
Yes, AFTT offers Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) accredited telehandler courses for all members of your team. The training covers safe operation and the use of attachments, giving operators recognised certification. You can call 01438 222157 for a friendly chat and a free, no-obligation quote.
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