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Purchasing your first telehandler can be an exciting yet daunting task. Telehandlers, also known as telescopic handlers, are versatile machines used in construction, agriculture, and various other industries. With their ability to lift and extend loads to significant heights, they offer substantial flexibility in moving materials and performing various tasks. However, with so many brands, models, and configurations available, choosing the right telehandler requires careful consideration.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to buying your first telehandler, offering practical advice on what to look for, key features to consider, and tips to ensure you make the best purchase for your needs.
What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler is a type of mobile crane with a telescoping arm that can extend forward and upward, allowing operators to reach high places and handle heavy loads. It combines the functionality of a forklift and a crane, with the flexibility to switch out attachments such as forks, buckets, or lifting hooks.
Telehandlers are commonly used in construction sites for lifting materials such as bricks, steel, or timber. They’re also valuable in agriculture, especially for tasks like feeding livestock, stacking hay bales, or moving large containers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Telehandler
When buying your first telehandler, there are several important factors to take into account. Here’s a rundown of the key elements that can help you narrow down your choices.
While new telehandlers come with the latest features and warranties, they also come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, purchasing a used telehandler can save you money, but it may come with risks regarding the condition and remaining lifespan of the machine.
Here are some tips for buying a used telehandler:
Before finalizing your purchase, here are some additional things to keep in mind:
Buying a telehandler is a significant investment that can pay off handsomely when chosen correctly. By considering factors such as load capacity, reach, fuel type, and maneuverability, you’ll be in a better position to select a machine that suits your needs. Whether you opt for a new or used model, ensure the telehandler is reliable, easy to operate, and capable of performing the tasks you need.
Taking the time to do your research, test the equipment, and work within your budget will help you make a confident decision and ensure that your new telehandler will serve you well on the job site for years to come.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to buying your first telehandler, offering practical advice on what to look for, key features to consider, and tips to ensure you make the best purchase for your needs.
What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler is a type of mobile crane with a telescoping arm that can extend forward and upward, allowing operators to reach high places and handle heavy loads. It combines the functionality of a forklift and a crane, with the flexibility to switch out attachments such as forks, buckets, or lifting hooks.
Telehandlers are commonly used in construction sites for lifting materials such as bricks, steel, or timber. They’re also valuable in agriculture, especially for tasks like feeding livestock, stacking hay bales, or moving large containers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Telehandler
When buying your first telehandler, there are several important factors to take into account. Here’s a rundown of the key elements that can help you narrow down your choices.
- Load Capacity
Telehandlers come with a wide range of lifting capacities, typically ranging from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs. It’s essential to choose a machine that can handle the weight of the materials you intend to lift regularly. While it’s tempting to go for a larger model with a higher lifting capacity, remember that more power usually means a larger and more expensive machine.- Tip: Evaluate the typical loads you need to lift and ensure you account for any potential future requirements. It’s better to overestimate than to undersize your machine.
- Tip: Evaluate the typical loads you need to lift and ensure you account for any potential future requirements. It’s better to overestimate than to undersize your machine.
- Maximum Lift Height and Reach
One of the defining features of telehandlers is their extendable boom, which allows them to reach higher than typical forklifts or other lifting equipment. The maximum lift height is crucial to ensure the machine can reach the required heights for your tasks.- Tip: Pay attention to both the lift height and the horizontal reach. Depending on your worksite, you may need to extend the boom outward rather than just vertically.
- Tip: Pay attention to both the lift height and the horizontal reach. Depending on your worksite, you may need to extend the boom outward rather than just vertically.
- Maneuverability and Size
Telehandlers are available in both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. If you’re operating on rough terrain, a 4WD telehandler provides better traction and maneuverability. Consider the size of the machine in relation to the space you’ll be working in. A more compact telehandler might be better suited for tight spaces.- Tip: If your worksite involves working in congested spaces, opt for a telehandler with a more compact design. This will give you better maneuverability and control.
- Tip: If your worksite involves working in congested spaces, opt for a telehandler with a more compact design. This will give you better maneuverability and control.
- Attachment Options
One of the main advantages of a telehandler is its ability to switch between different attachments. The most common attachment is the forks, but telehandlers can be equipped with buckets, lifting hooks, and even platforms. Make sure that the telehandler you select can accommodate the attachments you need for your specific tasks.- Tip: If you plan to use the telehandler for various tasks, consider investing in a model that allows you to easily switch between multiple attachments.
- Tip: If you plan to use the telehandler for various tasks, consider investing in a model that allows you to easily switch between multiple attachments.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency
Telehandlers are generally powered by either diesel or gas engines. Diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient and are better suited for heavy-duty work, while gas engines may be ideal for lighter tasks and shorter durations. However, diesel-powered telehandlers tend to be more expensive upfront.- Tip: If you’re working on a construction site with long hours and heavy lifting, a diesel engine may be the best choice. For smaller, short-term projects, a gas-powered telehandler could work well.
- Tip: If you’re working on a construction site with long hours and heavy lifting, a diesel engine may be the best choice. For smaller, short-term projects, a gas-powered telehandler could work well.
- Operator Comfort and Safety
Comfort is essential for the operator, especially on long workdays. Look for a telehandler with an ergonomic cab design, clear visibility, and easy-to-reach controls. Safety features are equally important, and your telehandler should come with proper guardrails, safety restraints, and a stable platform.- Tip: Prioritize telehandlers with good visibility, comfortable seating, and easily accessible controls. The safety of the operator should always come first.
- Tip: Prioritize telehandlers with good visibility, comfortable seating, and easily accessible controls. The safety of the operator should always come first.
- Brand Reputation and Support
Choose a reputable brand with a track record of reliability and strong customer support. Leading brands in the telehandler market include JCB, Manitou, CAT, Bobcat, and Merlo. These manufacturers offer strong warranty packages, as well as support for parts and servicing.- Tip: Consider the availability of parts and service providers in your area. The closer the support network, the less downtime you’ll experience in case of issues.
- Tip: Consider the availability of parts and service providers in your area. The closer the support network, the less downtime you’ll experience in case of issues.
- JCB 516-40
- Load Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Maximum Lift Height: 13 feet
- Features: Compact size, excellent maneuverability, and efficient fuel consumption.
- Best For: Construction sites, landscaping, and light material handling.
- Load Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Manitou MT 625
- Load Capacity: 5,500 lbs
- Maximum Lift Height: 20 feet
- Features: High lift capacity, strong engine power, versatile attachment options.
- Best For: Heavy-duty lifting and agriculture.
- Load Capacity: 5,500 lbs
- CAT TH406C
- Load Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Maximum Lift Height: 20 feet
- Features: Strong lift capacity, stability on rough terrain, and smooth hydraulics.
- Best For: Construction, industrial projects, and agricultural operations.
- Load Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Bobcat TL358
- Load Capacity: 6,000 lbs
- Maximum Lift Height: 13.5 feet
- Features: Comfortable cab, 4WD, and exceptional maneuverability.
- Best For: Tight spaces, landscaping, and general lifting.
- Load Capacity: 6,000 lbs
While new telehandlers come with the latest features and warranties, they also come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, purchasing a used telehandler can save you money, but it may come with risks regarding the condition and remaining lifespan of the machine.
Here are some tips for buying a used telehandler:
- Inspect the Boom and Hydraulic System: Check for any wear, leaks, or cracks in the boom and hydraulic lines.
- Examine the Tires or Tracks: The condition of the tires or tracks is essential for stability and traction.
- Review the Service History: A well-maintained machine is always a better option, even if it’s a few years older.
Before finalizing your purchase, here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Budget: Ensure you’re comfortable with the price, whether it’s a new or used model. Consider not just the initial cost, but also maintenance, fuel consumption, and repair expenses.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Analyze how often you’ll use the telehandler and whether the investment will pay off in terms of increased productivity.
- Warranties and Service Contracts: Some manufacturers offer extended warranties or service contracts that can help with repair costs over the years.
- Testing the Machine: Always test the machine before committing. Check the hydraulics, lift capacity, and maneuverability to ensure it meets your needs.
Buying a telehandler is a significant investment that can pay off handsomely when chosen correctly. By considering factors such as load capacity, reach, fuel type, and maneuverability, you’ll be in a better position to select a machine that suits your needs. Whether you opt for a new or used model, ensure the telehandler is reliable, easy to operate, and capable of performing the tasks you need.
Taking the time to do your research, test the equipment, and work within your budget will help you make a confident decision and ensure that your new telehandler will serve you well on the job site for years to come.
