Nowadays, more than ever, two things matter when purchasing equipment: efficiency and multifunctionality. The more a device chosen for a company can do, the better, as many entrepreneurs have recently had to significantly reduce business expenses, including the purchase of new equipment. In this situation, telescopic handlers come to the rescue – large, efficient, and extremely useful vehicles that prove their worth in many situations.
Telescopic handler – characteristics
What kind of devices are telescopic handlers? For those who are not yet familiar with them, a brief explanation and characterization of this type of machine is in order.
Telescopic handlers are classified as industrial lifting trucks. And although forklifts fall into the same category, unlike them, handlers have a variable boom. Because of this, these devices are also referred to as specialized trucks. Depending on the specific model, they can have a lifting capacity of up to 25 tons or a lifting height of up to 30 meters. However, everything depends on the type of device, as telescopic handlers can be divided into several categories.
Types of telescopic handlers
The classification of handlers is not entirely unambiguous, as there are many devices on the market that are difficult to classify into just one category.
Considering the type of chassis, the following types of handlers can be distinguished:
a) articulated telescopic,
b) telescopic – which are then divided into:
– wheeled (also referred to as straight-mast),
– rotating.
Each of the types mentioned above will be briefly presented in the further part of the article.
How is an articulated telescopic handler built?
Articulated handlers can come in both a heavy version weighing up to several tons, as well as a lighter one weighing a few tons. Regardless of size, a characteristic feature of this type of device is good maneuverability and ease of movement on construction sites. A device of this type has a two-part chassis frame, which is connected by a joint to the front steering wheels. Articulated telescopic handlers are currently the most frequently chosen type of such devices.
Telescopic handler – what characterizes it?
These are handlers also referred to as non-articulated telescopic. A telescopic handler can have a one-piece chassis frame with both front and rear steering wheels (wheeled handlers) or with steering wheels only at the front and rotating rear wheels (rotating handlers).
What is a wheeled handler?
In the case of this type of machine, the chassis is based on pneumatic wheels. By mounting the appropriate equipment, wheeled telescopic handlers are used for work requiring high engine power, such as:
– earthworks (excavations, ground leveling, etc.),
– road works,
– handling and transport of bulk materials (such as sand, gravel),
– transport of heavy loads – blocks, bricks.
Rotating handler
Their design is extremely characteristic, as devices of this type can rotate horizontally (the operator’s cabin together with the telescope) by up to 360 degrees.
Rotating telescopic handlers prove their worth during work on construction sites, as thanks to the ability to rotate, they need much less space than other types of vehicles. Using this ability, they efficiently transport and move loads or structural elements, and when equipped with a platform for lifting workers, they also function as an aerial work platform.
What can telescopic handlers do?
Telescopic handlers are valued on the market due to their high lifting height and load capacity, which other lifting machines do not possess. Added to this is their durability and, of course, the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. This combination makes handlers popular in many industries, including:
– agriculture,
– construction industry,
– heavy industry,
– maritime industry,
– municipal works,
– and everywhere where high load capacity and good maneuverability of devices count – e.g., in sawmills, mines, etc.
Beyond the basic functions offered by telescopic handlers, thanks to the exchange of equipment, completely new possibilities for using these devices arise. We are talking here, among others, about the previously mentioned platforms or baskets, thanks to which workers can easily be lifted to higher parts of buildings or other structures. But that’s not all!
Additional parts and equipment elements that can also be mounted on handlers are, for example:
– hooks,
– winches,
– cranes,
– grapples,
– or buckets.
Each of these elements gives the handlers additional capabilities that average lifts usually do not have. Thanks to their multifunctionality, telescopic handlers are able to handle even more tasks.
Telescopic handlers in the construction industry
The construction industry, due to its diversity, can be very demanding. Especially when deadlines are tight and housing estates or new halls and shopping centers are springing up like mushrooms after rain. Entrepreneurs wanting to win new contracts must take care not only of hiring experienced workers or choosing good quality materials at low prices, but also of efficient, solid, and multifunctional devices.
When, during the purchase of machines for a company, one has to face both numerous needs and matching expected client services, as well as financial limitations – multifunctionality and multitasking become more important. That is when the solution is provided by telescopic handlers that can both lift heavy palletized loads and large structural elements or, if necessary, workers. Purchasing additional equipment is much more economical than buying additional large construction machines.
Thanks to an efficient internal combustion engine, the operation of handlers can take place without unnecessary work stoppages (which often occur in the case of, for example, electric forklifts with a rechargeable battery). Furthermore, the best machines, such as, for example, the Manitou telescopic handler, are characterized by high-quality solid workmanship and low failure rates. This significantly increases work comfort and costs associated with equipment maintenance.
Qualifications for telescopic handlers
When preparing to purchase a handler, one must remember one more important thing. The person who will be delegated to operate the device must necessarily possess the qualifications to operate this type of machine. Due to the high lifting height and load capacity, as well as the weight of this type of advanced machine, operating it by an unauthorized person could be dangerous.
It is no different in the case of rented handlers. Every employee who undertakes to drive or handle loads using a handler is required to possess valid qualifications.
Lack of qualifications can be associated with a financial penalty of up to 1,500 PLN.
Summary
Telescopic handlers are efficient devices that are used everywhere where forklifts are not enough. These machines are perfect for the construction industry, where they are valued for their extraordinary maneuverability, the ability to work in small areas, precise load maneuvering, and the multifunctionality provided by additional equipment.
Are you an entrepreneur? Before you choose several different machines, check how you can replace them with one – a telescopic handler and see the best offers at: www.manitou.pl/28-ladowarki-teleskopowe.