What is a Telehandler? The Ins and Outs of Telescopic Handlers

What It Is, How to Use It, and Why to Buy It

Some people talk about telehandlers like they’re a combination of forklifts and cranes. And for good reason. These three machines do many of the same jobs. But what makes the telehandler different? We’re here to talk about what it is, when to choose it over another machine, and how to pick the right model for your job requirements. Let’s dive in! 

What is a Telehandler?

A telehandler is a machine designed to lift, carry, and place heavy materials. They’re sometimes called telescopic handlers, boom lifts, or telescopic tool carriers. With a telescoping boom that extends and retracts, telehandlers are most often used on jobs that need extra height. They’re great at lifting and placing stuff. Most telehandlers are used for agriculture or construction. You can pair a Bobcat® telehandler with lots of different attachments, kind of like a loader or an excavator. 

What is a Telehandler Used For?

Telehandlers are super useful. Here are some of their most common applications: 

• Material Handling: Use a pallet fork or bucket attachment to handle heavy loads on construction sites or farms. 

• Agriculture: Move bales of hay, feed livestock, and lift large loads. 

• Tough Job Sites: Thanks to four-wheel drive and more than one steering mode, telehandlers work well in tight spaces and on uneven ground. 

How Does a Telehandler Compare to Other Machines?

• Forklifts: Telehandlers have greater reach and height capabilities than forklifts. They’re great for stacking and placing materials in high locations. 

• Cranes: Telescopic handlers are smaller and faster than cranes, making them easier to use on tight or uneven job sites. 

• Skid-Steer Loaders: Telehandlers have a lifting height and reach that skid-steer loaders can’t match (think boom lift). But if you’re digging or grading, you’re still gonna want a loader. 

Creative Ways to Use a Telehandler

Here are some unique and less-talked-about ways to use a telehandler: 

• Landscaping: Use a bucket or grapple attachment to move large amounts of soil, rocks, or debris with a telehandler. 

• Event Setup: Telehandlers can help set up stages, lighting rigs, or large tents for outdoor events. 

• Roadwork: Attachments like angle brooms make telehandlers great at clearing debris and prepping surfaces. 

Why Buy a Telehandler?

Lift Height, Reach, and Capacity 

For farmers: the Bobcat TL619 can stack multiple heavy hay bales on top of each other. For construction companies: telehandlers have an extended reach that makes it easy to unload pipe bundles or pallets of sod from one side of a truck. 

Easy to Operate on Any Job 

Like we said earlier, telehandlers work well in small spaces and on slopes. If you’re interested in features, Bobcat telehandlers work well on most job sites because of joystick controls, high-traction tires, and multiple steering modes. 

Built for Your Needs 

Bobcat offers three telescopic handler models. Here’s what each one brings to the table: 

TL619 

• Operating Weight – 11,089 lbs  

• Rated Capacity – 5,512 lbs  

• Lift Height – 19ft 2 in 

TL723 

• Operating Weight – 16,471 lbs  

• Rated Capacity – 7,718 lbs  

• Lift Height – 22 ft 10 in 

TL923 

• Operating Weight – 18,158 lbs  

• Rated Capacity – 9,041 lbs  

• Lift Height – 23 ft 1 in 

And Attachments Too 

If you’re talking telehandler attachments, we like the angle broom, pallet forks, bucket, and snow blade. Which one do you need? It depends on what your job requirements are. Talk to our Sales team to make sure you get the attachments you need. 

Ready to Add a Telehandler to Your Fleet?

If you’re looking for a machine that helps you get more done on your farm or job site, a Bobcat telehandler is a great choice. Tired of window shopping? Contact your sales rep to get in the cab of a TL619, TL723, or TL923!