by Richard Cosgrove | Fri 01 Sep 2023
Sponsored: Why a telehandler is the secret weapon for your next construction project needs
If you’ve ever been part of a construction project, you’ll know that things don’t always go to plan. Budgets tend to overrun, deadlines get missed, and it can feel like maximum efficiency isn’t always the goal.
While there’s a ton of talk about how technology will transform the construction industry, with AI at the forefront of this technological revolution, it’s important not to overlook key vehicles and items of machinery that can take a project from zero to hero.
With a telehandler (short for telescopic handler), you can do the job of several staff members while saving on labour costs without skimping on productivity. Let’s dive into the benefits associated with this key piece of equipment and how to find the right one for your project.
What is a telehandler?
A telehandler is a lifting machine that lifts and places materials (including heavy-duty loads). They’re typically used on construction sites and in the agriculture industry, and they’re seen, in part, as a more advanced version of a forklift.
Telehandlers can also be used with different attachments to perform various tasks, such as a pallet fork, a crane jib, or a bucket. This versatility is one of the main things that earn telehandlers their popularity in the world of construction.
The benefits of telehandlers
Why are telehandlers so revolutionary? We’re glad you asked. Here are all the advantages associated with these advanced pieces of equipment.
Save money
We know it sounds counterintuitive to spend money to save it. But over the years, telehandlers will reduce labour costs and other costs associated with carrying out the same actions in a more manual, labour-intensive way.
Increased safety
Unfortunately, the construction sector is still one of the industries with the most safety hazards. The good news is, many of the newer telehandler models can actually be operated remotely with a remote control while the operator stands away from the equipment, reducing their chance of injury.
Many models also come with automatic brakes and guard rails, which make telehandlers safer for everyone on-site.
A wider range of motion
While forklifts are great for lifting items a few feet off the floor and placing them on a surface, their range of motion is significantly limited.
Thanks to a telehandler’s versatile boom, materials can be lifted to elevated surfaces and generally reach further. Plus, the user can direct the equipment with more precision. This is especially true with 360-slew telehandlers, which are great for fitting into hard-to-reach spaces.
Works on various terrains
The telehandler’s success lies in its versatility, and this is never seen more clearly than in the sheer number of different terrains on which this equipment works well. Even if you’re working on particularly rough terrain, the right telehandler should be able to handle it.
Use different attachments
Need to shovel soil and debris? Attach a bucket. Need to lift and carry pallets? Attach a pallet fork. Telehandlers allow for the use of different attachments for different tasks, making them more efficient and effective at performing a range of tasks.
Plus, you’ll save money since you can just use one piece of equipment for several distinct tasks.
Where to buy high-quality telehandlers
When buying a telehandler, you can either buy a new piece of machinery from the manufacturer directly or a third-party seller, or you can buy second-hand.
If budget is a concern, buying second-hand is the more affordable choice, and online sellers like this used Manitou telehandler site – https://www.mascus.co.uk/construction/telescopic-handlers/manitou – make buying second-hand easier than ever.
Before buying a telehandler, just be sure to establish which features you need and key indicators such as size, capacity, and reach. Your next construction or agriculture project will reap the rewards!