L I F T E QU IP M E N T By Jenny Lescohier
Telehandlers Extend to All Ends of Spectrum
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Today’s models offer advantages on all levels of jobsites.
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High-capacity telehandlers are finding a home on large industrial sites, as well as projects requiring the placement of large components such as solar and wind power applications.
elehandlers are arguably the MVPs of a jobsite, always Johnny-on-the-spot, capable of lifting, loading, picking and placing. Recently, there has been expansion on both ends of the size spectrum with new high-capacity and compact models being introduced. According to Josh Taylor, Genie product manager, Terex AWP, the market in North America for high-capacity telehandlers has shown steady growth in the last five years. “Some manufacturers are just now starting to fill out that side of their portfolio, whereas Genie has made a commitment to this market since 2014 when the Genie GTH-1256 model was introduced,” he states. John Boehme, telehandler product manager, JLG, feels the expansion at the higher end of the size range largely has to do with the size and scope of today’s projects. “We’re talking about large industrial projects where the building materials coming in
are much larger,” he comments. “And there are other applications that are growing, like solar and wind power as well as energy exploration and extraction, where you have heavy components that need to be moved to the work site, sometimes over fairly long distances. These highcapacity machines are very well suited for that kind of work.” “The high-capacity telescopic handler can do a wide range of high-capacity material pick and placements without needing a high-capacity crane,” Steve Kiskunas, product manager telescopic handlers, Manitou Group, points out, noting that Manitou offers models with 20,000- to 72,000-lb. pick-andcarry capacities. “The 10,000-lb.-capacity telehandler with a 56-ft. lift height has proven to be the bread and butter
within the telehandler rental market. But due to lifting capabilities and available options, there’s a great opportunity for a high-capacity telehandler to displace other equipment lines on a jobsite,” adds Braden Spence, product manager, telehandlers, Skyjack. For example, he notes that a Skyjack ZB2044 equipped with a hydraulic winch option is capable of displacing a rough-terrain crane for pipeline work, equipment maintenance, framing and loading and unloading equipment or materials.
POPULARITY OF COMPACTS CLIMBS Compact telehandlers are seeing an increase in popularity, and models, as well. The need for equipment capable of maneuvering in tight environments is helping to fuel this expansion.
While traditionally used with forks, a compact telehandler with skid-steer attachment plate can rival a skid steer in terms of its attachment versatility. “We’re seeing compacts popping up everywhere, especially in suburban and urban jobsites, simply because of space restrictions,” says Boehme. They are also finding a place in certain types of residential projects. “Take the landscaping/hardscaping market, for example,” Boehme notes. “A 5,500-lb.-capacity machine has enough capacity to get the job done. The next machine up is a 6K and it’s twice the size. I think there’s some realization that these smaller machines have plenty of
Telehandler suppliers are incorporating features in all size classes to enhance operator comfort and maximize confidence in the equipment and the operator’s ability to use it.
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