At Power Plant Hire, we often get queries from customers asking as to whether a telehandler or forklift might be best suited to a job they have planned. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, and there are several factors that we need to explore before recommending whether or not a forklift or a telehandler is the best machine for the job. We thought we’d put together this article outlining the factors to be considered when deciding to go for a forklift or a telehandler, let’s take a look.
Understanding the Difference: Telehandlers Vs Forklifts
Telehandlers tend to be larger than forklifts and, in some cases, quite larger. While forklifts can only move their forks up and down, telehandlers can actually move their lifting gear vertically without physically moving their base.
Telehandlers have a great forward reach
Telehandlers’ booms have great forward reach, which enables them to lift loads backward and forwards as opposed to simply up and down like a forklift. This makes a versatile unit and grants the operator greater ability to adjust the load to ease handling. Telehandler booms also allow the operator to approach the load in question from multiple different angles, adding further to their versatility.
Telehandlers can have a wider range of optional attachment fittings
Telehandlers can have a wide range of different boom attachments fitted to suit different loads, such as scoops and buckets. While different attachments can be fitted to forklifts, the options are nowhere near as extensive as those for telehandlers.
Telehandlers allow for frame tilting
Most telehandlers have frame tilting enabled. This can be pretty useful when manoeuvring over uneven ground, allowing the operator to adjust the angle of the lifting boom without compromising the stability of the telehandler.
Telehandlers take up more space than a forklift
The relatively large size of a telehandler means that they take up considerably more space than a forklift does. This means that more storage space will be required, hindering their manoeuvrability in tight areas. It is for this reason that they are generally unsuitable for use in indoor environments such as warehouses.
Telehandlers are suitable for rough terrain
Unlike forklifts, telehandlers come with tyres suitable for rough terrain as standard. This means that they are more suited for operation over rough or uneven surfaces than forklifts, which perform better on smooth ground.
Telehandlers can be registered for use on roads
Unlike forklifts, telehandlers can be registered for use on public roads, which makes travelling between work locations easier.
What defines a forklift?
Forklifts are better than telehandlers for indoor use
Due to their size, forklifts are better suited than telehandlers for indoor operation, such as in warehouses. The availability of eco-friendly fuel variants (see below) also helps reduce or eliminate emissions in indoor spaces.
Forklifts take up less space and are more maneuverable in areas of tight clearance
Forklifts are very compact compared to a telehandler. With a significantly smaller footprint than a telehandler, not only do they take up less storage space but they are also easier to manoeuvre in tight areas, such as around corners in warehouses or small yards.
Forklifts have more fuel options (including electric)
While telehandlers tend to only come as diesel-powered models (at least, at the time of writing), forklifts come with a range of fuel options, including electric, so they can be used to bolster your efforts towards a Net Zero operation.
Forklifts don’t have the same reach or power as telehandlers
Generally speaking, forklifts won’t have the same reach as telehandlers, nor will they be as powerful, impacting the operators’ ability to lift heavier loads.
In conclusion, the advantage of choosing a forklift over a telehandler or vice versa ultimately comes down to the use your facility or business intends to apply it to. If you need to lift and move loads within an indoor facility or space-restricted area, then a forklift may be the best choice. However, if you have to move awkward loads over uneven terrain (for example, a construction site) then a telehandler will have great advantages over a forklift.
Not sure about whether a forklift or telehandler is the best piece of equipment for your needs? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to advise—Power Plant Hire has decades of experience in assisting businesses and facilities across Ireland with both forklift and telehandler equipment and we are well-placed to recommend the best piece of equipment to suit your requirements. We are one of only a few Irish plant hire companies to be SafeHire accredited, so you can have confidence that we only hire the most suitable and safest equipment for the job. You can call us on 053 9235003 or drop an email to sales@powerplant.ie.
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