Guide to select a telescopic handler

Telescopic handlers are machinery for the movement of loads that are in inaccessible places for a conventional forklift. This function is achieved due to the action of a telescopic or articulated boom with forwarding and upward extension functions.

The correct selection of a telescopic handler will depend mainly on the nature of the work area and the load. The most representative ones are listed.

1.-Size of the load: Know the characteristics of the weight that you will move by focusing your attention on the maximum load in kilograms or pounds and the volume of the material in cubic meters. In this way, when consulting the load capacities of a potential vehicle, you will be able to do the conversions to any other unit of measure and limit your selection to only those that meet your requirements.

2.-Height and action-angle: The design of a telescopic handler allows reaching places that a conventional forklift couldn’t reach, clearly you have to select the best model, and you must consider the maximum height in meters or feet at which it’ll be placed or repositioned the load, as well as the operating distance and optimum operating angle of the machine. With this information, you’ll be able to establish the potential dimensions of your equipment.

3.-Dimensions of the environment and limitations: In outdoor work areas for large loads, full-size or industrial-type telehandlers will be the ideal vehicle to perform the work. On the other hand, if there’re physical space restrictions for your project, consider a compact size machine for greater maneuverability.

4.-Load range: Most telescopic handler manufacturers have information on the specs, operator’s manual, and operating cabin information related to the maximum tolerance of load supported by the vehicle at different lengths and operating angles. Knowing and interpreting the load diagrams allows the operator to perform the appropriate movements without exposing himself to a rollover.

5.-Soil characteristics and tires: Depending on the soil you could choose any of the tire configurations, this will be optional, but it provides better performance for the machine.

-Air tires: Ideal for working in soft soils, muddy conditions, and flooded places. Also, due to their flotation and lightness, they provide the operator with comfortable handling.

-Foam-filled tires: They’re the right choice for debris-covered floors where an air tire has the risk of being punctured. They provide the manipulator with superior stability thanks to the added weight.

-Solid tires: Its design is for highly dirty environments this provides a higher average lifetime than conventional tires by up to 800%.

6.-Additional information: Some of the most representative telescopic handler manufacturers name their vehicle models based on maximum lifting capacity and height. The first digits express the lifting capacity in pounds per 1000, and the last two characters refer to the maximum height in feet.