Tips To Select The Right Telehandler
A telehandler is similar to a forklift in that it’s used mostly for lifting and moving but there are some differences between the two. For example, telehandlers have a boom lift which can be moved in different ways, unlike a forklift. A telehandler is more suitable for outdoor chores, while forklifts are better for indoor work.
At Synergy Equipment, we like to help you make the best decisions for your business, which is why we’ve put together this telehandler buying guide. To check out some of the best telehandlers for sale in Florida, Georgia or South Carolina, get in touch with our sales department at your earliest convenience!
Fixed or Rotating
Telehandlers have two basic movement types: fixed and rotating. Fixed models are better for heavier loads but they’re limited in their scope of movement. A rotating movement telehandler will let the cab and boom move in a 360 degree circle while keeping the main body stationary. This requires less movement of the telehandler, which is great for tight or challenging worksites. Knowing your requirements will help you decide which is better for you.
High- or Low-Profile Boom
The boom pivot pin on your telehandler is another thing you have to consider before selecting a model. A lot depends on the operator's comfort level with the type of boom. Low-mount booms are better for ground engagement and loader work while high-mount booms are better for lifting tasks. A high pin boom is positioned above the operator so the operator has to look under it whereas they’ll have to look over a low pivot pin boom.
Weight Capacity
A very important factor when looking at telehandlers is to figure out how much weight you’ll be lifting and moving. Ideally, you want a model that has greater lifting capacity than you need. This is to avoid a disaster just in case the machine is overloaded. Usually, the capacity of telehandlers ranges from around 4000 to 12000 pounds, but do keep in mind that when the boom is extended at maximum capacity, the weight limit will become lower.
Height & Reach
The lift height of your telehandler determines how high you can move items. For lightweight telehandlers, you’ll probably get a height of less than 20 feet. If you’re lifting weights around 6000 to 9000 pounds, you can expect a maximum range of 42 feet. Anything over 10,000 pounds will give you a reach of 44 to 56 feet. The reach of your model determines how far you can extend the boom in a forward, horizontal direction. This can range from 10 to 45 feet depending on the model.
Tire Type
With telehandlers, you get three tire options: foam-filled, pneumatic and solid. Foam-filled tires are more resistant to punctures and have greater stability but they’re also heavier, which can cause ground damage to some worksites. Pneumatic tires are filled with air and are suitable for more types of terrain but they’re also more prone to punctures. Solid tires have little to no cushion and weigh a lot more, but they provide maximum stability for high and heavy lifting tasks.
Steering Options
To make steering and navigating easy for the operator, get a telehandler with three steering modes: front-wheel, four-wheel and crab. With front-wheel steering, you can move just the two front tires to move the machine, which is good for roads and open areas. For crowded and tighter sites, you’ll prefer to use four-wheel drive that lets you move all four wheels to navigate. The crab mode turns all wheels in the same direction and moves the machine diagonally or side by side so you can set up the boom more precisely.
We hope you’ll find this information useful in getting the right machine for your needs! To learn more or to check out telehandlers for sale in Florida, Georgia or South Carolina, contact us at Synergy Equipment and one of our expert staff members will gladly help you out. We’re proud to be your local telehandler dealer!