When we think of plant equipment used on construction sites, one probably thinks of excavators and concrete mixers. And, these are of course very common and in many ways essential to such sites. However, the telehandler is also a quite popular piece of plant equipment for construction sites, if often overlooked. In this article, we shall look at some of the reasons why telehandlers have come into their own as a favoured piece of plant equipment on construction sites.
Telehandlers Can Easily Reach Over Obstacles
Telehandler booms can be adjusted so that even if the vehicle itself can’t get around an obstacle, it is possible to manoeuvre a load over it. This can be especially useful on construction sites where the items required to lift are situated behind a mass of concrete blocks or plastic piping, for example. It’s far quicker, and more efficient, to simply reach over the other items with a telehandler than to spend potentially hours removing the other items, grabbing the required one and then putting the other objects back.
Telehandlers Can Lift Heavier Loads Than Forklifts
Construction work often involves lifting loads that are simply beyond the capabilities of a standard forklift. However, it’s not always practical for a large crane to be used either, and this is one of the reasons telehandlers are a popular choice of lifting equipment on construction sites, being able to lift more than a forklift yet being less cumbersome than a full-size crane.
Telehandler Booms Have More Operating Range Than Forklifts or Cranes
With a forklift, operators must be content with using the forks to simply move a load up or down, with no back-and-forth movement available along the forks. Telehandlers, however, allow their operators to move loads backwards and forwards too. This is extremely helpful on construction sites where a heavy load needs to be adjusted for stability or ease of movement across uneven ground. Likewise, while full-size cranes allow for the loads to be adjusted along the jib, the fact that they’re fixed in places tends to lessen their versatility somewhat.
Telehandlers Can Be Used at Dfferent Angles
The vast majority of telehandler booms are designed with a frame tilting ability so as to enable their operator to approach objects from different angles, unlike a forklift where the arms are at a fixed angle. This greatly adds to their overall versatility on construction sites, where a more rigid piece of lifting equipment such as a forklift might be at risk of toppling over.
Telehandler Tyres are Suitable for Uneven Terrain
Unlike forklifts which are usually only suitable for operation over smooth, even surfaces, telehandlers tend to be fitted with tyres suited to working over more uneven terrain. This is yet another reason why telehandlers can be quite an effective piece of plant equipment for construction site use.
A Wide Range of Attachments Can Be Fitted to Telehandlers
In addition to their lifting booms, telehandlers can be fitted with a wide range of attachments, increasing their versatility. For instance, buckets, and scoops can be fitted to a telehandler.
Telehandlers Are Easier to Move from Site to Site
Telehandlers can be registered for use on roads, which is not the case with forklifts. This means that they can be driven between locations under their own power, which can save operators on transport costs.
Telehandlers Have Less of a Footprint Than Cranes and Are More Stable
Not every construction site is suitable for a fixed crane, and even where they can be used, can not be readily moved around without considerable time and effort. Telehandlers not only take up less space than a crane but can be moved around a construction site almost immediately. Effectively, this means that in some situations not only are telehandlers safer than standard cranes, but are more time-efficient too.
If you are looking to hire a telehandler for use on your construction site, the Power Plant Hire team would be happy to quote for your needs. We have decades of experience providing telehandlers and other types of plant equipment to all sorts of construction projects across the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow. This background has enabled us to readily come with the optimum equipment solution for construction sites no matter what the shape, size and scope. Call us today on 053 923 5003 or drop us an email to sales@powerplant.ie. You can view some of the telehandlers we have available for hire here.
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