The Telehandler – Characteristics and Applications
Telehandlers have numerous names such as tele loaders, telescopes, telehandlers or rotary telehandlers. All synonyms describe the same working principle: A telescopic machine with an extendable arm to which attachments can be mounted. The telehandler is therefore also called an equipment carrier because the movable arm can be equipped with the most diverse attachments.
Through flexible attachment of, for example, forks, winches, load hooks as well as a work basket for conversion to a work platform, the construction machine can be individually adapted to your needs. Unlike a forklift, where the load is moved vertically, the telehandler can move loads horizontally as well. Herein lies the great advantage of telehandlers. With them you can reach remote or awkward locations that are far away from the machine. This is why telehandlers are often used to move loads on construction sites to higher floors. Thanks to the extendable telescopic arm, the load can be loaded several meters away from the machine into a building. Higher-lying branches can also be easily reached using a work basket with this machine.
Reaching New Heights with Secure Footing
Primarily, however, telehandlers are used for lifting and loading work. Thanks to the enormous mobility, great stability and especially the adjustable reach of the loading arm, telehandlers can perform work at heights of up to 26 meters. The high stability in operation allows the transportation of high payload capacity. Additionally, the stability is supported on some machines by extendable support legs. This makes it the perfect construction machine to flexibly lift heavy loads or reach difficult-to-access locations. The following video provides insight into the operation of a telehandler:
Flexible Through Rear Axle Steering and Rotating Superstructure
Another advantage that makes the telehandler a "multitasker" is the dynamic all-wheel drive. It enables the transport of loads on terrain. Some models are also equipped with rear-wheel steering and are therefore extremely maneuverable and usable in tight spaces. Most machines with all-wheel drive also have off-road suitable tires. If the vehicle is equipped with an orange flashing light, it can also be used in road traffic at speeds up to 20 km/h.
A special class of telehandlers are rotary telehandlers. These specialized machines feature a rotating superstructure and can therefore move loads like a mobile crane in a 360° radius around the machine. In combination with the wide range of attachments, the rotary telehandler offers maximum flexibility when it comes to moving loads. Attachments also include buckets. With buckets, telehandlers can be used for simple earth moving – a domain where the following machine is actually at home.
The Wheel Loader – The Advantages
The great strength of the wheel loader is earth moving work. Therefore, it is mainly used in earthworks, quarries, recycling plants as well as in forestry. It is off-road capable thanks to low-pressure tires with aggressive tread. This allows the wheel loader to master soft surfaces and smooth out unevenness effortlessly. The large tires with strong tread are advantageous for pushing work. The primary purpose is loading and transporting goods over short distances. However, covering longer transport distances is no problem thanks to a powerful drive. If the vehicle is equipped with an orange flashing light, it can also be used in road traffic at speeds up to 20 km/h.
Smaller Stacking Work Also Possible with the Wheel Loader
Wheel loaders can also be rented with a fork for lifting loads. However, the maximum lifting height of wheel loaders is significantly lower than that of telehandlers. Additionally, the load cannot be moved horizontally with the wheel loader, only up and down vertically. Wheel loaders should therefore only be used for loading trailers or trucks, or to move pallet goods on the construction site from A to B. Thanks to off-road suitable tires and all-wheel drive, the wheel loader can transport its load as confidently as the telehandler on terrain as well. In addition, there is a wide range of attachments for wheel loaders that turn the machine into a sweeper, mower, drill or grapple. This shows that the wheel loader is also a flexible machine. However, it is reserved for work near ground level or in areas under two meters. When things need to reach higher, the telehandler comes into play.
Overview: Which Machine Do I Use For What?
So what can be said about the optimal areas of application for telehandlers and wheel loaders?
Telehandlers are most suitable for the following requirements:
- You want to move loads higher than two meters.
- You need to move loads horizontally away from the machine.
- You want to use a mobile machine in tight spaces.
- You want to work with a rotary telehandler in a 360° radius around the machine.
Use a wheel loader when you...
- are primarily performing earth moving work.
- want to lift loads at only about two meters on its own axle.
- want to push together soil or other material.
- want to use a mobile machine in tight spaces.
Image credits: "Strong in Earth Moving – the Wheel Loader" - Yanmar
