These days, forklifts come in a mesmerising array of shapes and sizes to fulfil an equally vast array of commercial and industrial functions.
There are compact, electric forklifts for smaller operations and narrow aisles. There are larger diesel/petrol forklifts or LPG forklifts for moving heavy loads in and around warehouses and factories and stacking pallets three storeys high. There are even walkie straddle stackers capable of stacking pallets nearly 5 metres high without the need for a forklift license.
Then there are telehandlers. Telehandlers come from the rough terrain family of forklifts and feature an extendable crane-like arm. Designed for heavy-duty lifting, moving and stacking where surfaces underfoot are anything but smooth and flat. They are capable of working on and over the roughest surfaces – rocks, sand, construction debris, undulating muddy fields – and in the most extreme weather conditions. Telehandlers can stack gods up to 15 metres high.
A telehandler is basically an off-road forklift with an extendable, crane-like arm. Also called telescopic handlers these highly robust vehicles have rough terrain abilities no crane or forklift can emulate, as well as impressive reach and load capabilities.
One of the most popular applications for telehandlers is handling huge bales of hay in the agricultural sector. Not only can a telehandler negotiate undulating, rocky or muddy rural terrain, it can stack bales and anything else 15 metres high.
Telehandlers are versatile, powerful and maneuverable which makes them essential equipment in a wide range of industries from mining and manufacturing to shipping and construction.
Telehandlers are not one size fits all, far from it. Here are some options within the telehandler range.
The first thing to consider is this: does it meet Australian standards? Design, maintenance and overall safety standards apply to all kinds of industrial vehicles and telehandlers are no different. So before purchasing an imported telehandler, make sure it complies or you’ll end up with a very expensive outdoor ornament.
What else should you consider?
The average price for a good, mid-range telehandler is about $150,000. If you need a super heavy-duty one with maximum height and load capabilities, expect to pay around $500,000.
Telehandlers are highly specialised machines, not to mention expensive machines. So it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and guidelines.
Here are some basic maintenance procedures you can do in and around the set maintenance program:
If you are looking to a buy a Telehandler for sale, suppliers on IndustrySearch include STM Equipment, Waverley Forklifts, Tutt Bryant, Forklogic, SQMH, Lift Truck Brokers, Statewide Forklifts & Access Rentals, Merlo Australia, Manitou Australia