How to Choose the Right Telehandler to Hire
Telehandlers are versatile machines. You can use them to lift, carry and even dig. If you want to hire a telehandler, then ask yourself the following questions first. The answers will help you choose the right machine for your needs.
Do You Want a Fixed or Rotating Cab?
Not all telehandlers work the same way. Some have a fixed cab; others have a rotating one. Both options have their own advantages. The right choice here depends on the work you'll want to do with the machine and the site you'll work on.
A fixed telehandler's cab or boom don't rotate. They stay in the same position. This design is useful if you will mainly use the machine to lift and carry heavy loads. The fixed cab and boom give you more stability. It's also a good option if you'll be working out in the open with plenty of space to manoeuvre.
However, if you could be working in smaller spaces where you'll find it hard to position the telehandler to give its boom the access you need, then a rotating cab might be better. Here, the cab and the boom can rotate in a full circle independently of the base unit. So, you don't need to position this kind of telehandler directly in front of the area you'll work in. You can park the machine up as close as you can get it and then turn the boom to put it in the right spot.
What Are Your Weight and Reach Requirements?
While it's important to think about how you want a telehandler to work, you also need to choose the right size of machine. Telehandlers come in different sizes ranging from compact to heavy-duty models.
Ideally, you want to buy a telehandler that can handle all the projects you need it for. So, first of all, think about its lift capacity. This tells you how much weight the machine can lift and carry. If a model has a lift capacity of 3 tonnes, then this is the maximum load you can put on it. The reach of the telescopic boom also matters here. You should make sure that the boom can reach out over the right distance or up to the right height. If you have reach requirements that are longer or higher than the norm, then you can look at high-lift models. These telehandlers have extra long booms.
To find out more about your options and to get advice on choosing the right telehandler for your needs, contact equipment hire companies.