Telehandler Forklift combines the handling function of forklift and the flexible operation characteristics of telescopic arm, which makes it play an important role in construction sites and other occasions. But do you know how to choose the telehandler that best suits your construction and project needs?
Telescopic Handler Forklifts can directly unload construction materials from transport vehicles and transport them quickly and accurately to designated work sites, or provide materials directly to heavy equipment such as tower cranes. This efficient material handling method reduces tedious and time-consuming manual work, improving overall construction efficiency.
Construction sites are often complex terrains, and telescopic forklifts can easily adapt to complex environments due to their powerful off-road capabilities. Even on rough construction sites and in narrow working spaces, telescopic forklifts can help construction work proceed smoothly.
In construction, manual handling of materials often creates safety hazards. The use of telescopic forklifts reduces the need for manual handling and reduces the risk of safety accidents caused by improper operation and fatigue. Telescopic forklifts are equipped with complete safety devices and protective measures, such as emergency stop buttons, body balance systems, to ensure the safety of construction sites.
This is the most common type of telescopic handler, designed for off-road use. It has large tires, high lifting capacity and sturdy suspension system. It adopts diesel drive with four-wheel all-wheel drive. It has three turning modes: two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering and crab steering. It is widely used in construction, mining and agriculture, especially rough terrain. Unlike a rotating telehandler, the arm of a standard telehandler does not rotate, but can be extended and retracted to access hard to reach areas. The arm can be extended and retracted, allowing for greater reach.
Depending on the model, the arm can be extended from 7 to 17 meters, providing a high lift height for heavy materials or equipment. This extension allows the operator to lift and place loads further from the base of the machine. The lifting capacity of a standard telehandler is typically 3 to 4 tons, but some models may have a higher capacity. Lifting capacity decreases as the arm is extended, so a load chart needs to be used to ensure the machine is operating within safe limits.
| lifting height | 7-17 meters |
| loading capacity | 3-4 tons |
The small telehandler is designed for narrow spaces, and usually adopts two-wheel or four-wheel diesel drive. It is suitable for indoor or small construction sites. It has strong road adaptability and off-road climbing ability, and can easily reach complex environments that cranes cannot reach. Compact telehandler can add various attachments such as forks, high-altitude work buckets and forks as needed to achieve multiple operation functions.
Despite their smaller size, mini telehandlers still have a strong lifting capacity, usually around 1.5 to 2.5 tons, to handle heavy loads such as building materials, bricks or equipment. They are equipped with advanced safety features including proximity sensors, load sensors and stability control to prevent tipping.
| lifting height | 4-6 meters |
| loading capacity | 1.5-2.5 tons |
It has a rotating base that allows the boom to rotate 360 degrees. High flexibility. It is used in applications that require a more flexible range of motion, such as construction, industrial maintenance, and handling long materials. It comes with auxiliary support legs for increased stability. The forklift offers two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering, and crab steering.
Depending on the model, a rotating telehandler typically has a lifting capacity of 3.2 to 5 tonnes, with some models having higher capacities, but this depends on the reach and extension of the boom. The rotating boom enables the forklift to handle different types of loads from all angles. The vehicle can be used to lift and place materials in hard-to-reach locations, such as on top of buildings or inside structures with limited clearance. It can also be used with a variety of attachments such as forks, buckets, lift platforms and grapples.
| lifting height | 14 to 30 meters |
| loading capacity | 3.2 to 5 tons |
It is designed for industrial applications and is suitable for lifting heavy objects in warehouses, factories, and large industrial sites. The telehandler usually focuses on loading capacity and stability. Four-wheel all-wheel drive diesel drive. It offers two-wheel steering, four-wheel steering, and crab steering.
The booms of large telehandlers typically extend between 6 and 10 meters. Lift capacities range from 6 to 22 tons or more, allowing them to handle heavier loads such as large construction materials, steel beams or equipment. Due to their size and lifting capacity, large telehandlers are often equipped with advanced stability monitoring systems and extendable legs or stabilizers to ensure a stable footing during operation.
| lifting height | 6 to 10 meters |
| loading capacity | 6 to 22 tons |
Small construction projects have small construction quantities, short construction periods, and limited operating areas. It is suitable to choose a small telescopic handler with moderate load capacity and flexible operation. It can have greater maneuverability in a small space and is very suitable for tasks such as lifting materials, tools or small equipment indoors or in a small construction area.
Medium-sized construction projects include medium-sized construction projects, such as multi-story buildings, medium-sized commercial or industrial projects, and large landscaping projects. It is suitable to choose a rough terrain telescopic forklift with high load capacity and stable performance. It can carry larger loads and reach higher heights, making it suitable for lifting materials such as concrete, steel beams or scaffolding.
Large construction projects have large construction quantities, long construction periods, wide operating areas, and complex environments. It is suitable to choose a large telehandelr arm forklift with strong load capacity, good off-road performance, and complete functions. It has strong power and stable handling performance, and can efficiently complete handling tasks in complex environments.
Flat terrain is suitable for choosing a telescopic arm forklift with flexible operation and good stability. Rugged terrain requires a telescopic forklift with good off-road performance and strong tire adaptability.
Light cargo is suitable for a telescopic forklift with moderate load capacity and fast lifting speed. Heavy cargo requires a telescopic forklift with strong load capacity and good stability. Special cargo such as fragile goods, chemicals, etc. requires a telescopic forklift with special attachments and protective measures.
Choosing a well-known brand with a good reputation in the market usually means higher product quality and more reliable after-sales service. Considering the history and background of the towable telehandler brand, brands that have existed in the market for a long time tend to have more mature technology and a more stable supply chain.
Understand the actual performance of the brand through user reviews, including product durability, performance stability, and after-sales service quality. User reviews can be obtained through industry forums, social media, product review websites and other channels.
Choosing a manufacturer with large-scale production and efficient production capacity can ensure timely delivery of products and a stable supply chain. Choosing a manufacturer with a complete after-sales service network can ensure timely technical support and repair services during use. Consider the manufacturer’s spare parts supply capacity and safeguards to ensure that the required spare parts can be obtained in time during use.
Understand whether the manufacturer provides operation training and technical support services to ensure that the operator can master the operation and maintenance skills of the forklift. Training and technical support can include on-site training, online courses, technical manuals and troubleshooting guides.
| Brand | Overview | Popular Models |
| JCB | A leader in construction machinery | JCB 540-170：~$80,000 – $95,000
JCB 535-95: ~$65,000 – $75,000 |
| Manitou | A French manufacturer with a global reputation for telehandlers. | Manitou MRT 2150: ~$180,000 – $210,000
Manitou MT 1337: ~$95,000 – $120,000 |
| Liebherr | German manufacturer known for robust | Liebherr LTM 1100-5.2: ~$500,000 – $600,000
Liebherr TL 441-7:~$120,000 – $140,000 |
| CAT | Renowned for tough, reliable construction machinery | CAT TH255:~$75,000 – $85,000
CAT TH406C:~$95,000 – $115,000 |
| Bobcat | Known for compact and maneuverable equipment | Bobcat TL358: ~$85,000 – $100,000 – Bobcat V519:~$90,000 – $110,000 |
| Volvo | Known for high-performance construction machinery | Volvo L60H:~$110,000 – $130,000 – Volvo L110H: ~$140,000 – $160,000 |
| XCMG | One of the largest construction machinery manufacturers in China. | XCMG XCT25: $75,000 – $90,000 XCMG XG9430: $110,000 – $130,000 |
The telescopic forklift price of different brands and models varies greatly. Forklifts with well-known brands, high performance and high-end configurations are more expensive. When choosing, you should weigh the actual operation needs and budget and choose the most cost-effective product.
EPDAS can provide you with high-quality and cost-effective telehandler price, with prices as low as $32,000 per unit. Our company originated in 1978 and is one of the well-known construction machinery suppliers in China. We provide first-class customer service and high-quality product quality.
If you need it, don’t hesitate to contact us and get the latest quotation!
Selecting a telehandler forklift requires a comprehensive consideration of several important steps and factors. By clarifying your needs, conducting market research, and evaluating costs, you can ensure that the forklift you choose not only meets your operational needs, but is also cost-effective. At the same time, paying attention to the importance of factors such as performance matching needs, after-sales service and support can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
