In construction, time is money, and the right equipment can be the difference between winning the next job or falling behind. Whether you’re lifting heavy loads, reaching tough angles, or replacing multiple machines with one efficient unit, choosing the right telehandler for your site is a smart move.
But with so many models and attachments available, how do you pick the one that’s right for your project? Let’s break it down.
What is a Telehandler and Why Do You Need One?
A telehandler (short for telescopic handler) is a multi-functional piece of construction machinery that combines the lifting power of a forklift with the reach of a crane. It’s designed to tackle a range of on-site tasks from moving materials to elevating workers and accessing hard-to-reach areas.
What makes telehandlers a game-changer?
- Versatility: With the right attachments, a telehandler can switch roles in seconds.
- Efficiency: One machine does the work of several, speeding up timelines.
- Mobility: Telehandlers handle tough terrain with ease and can be driven around the site.
At APS Equipment, we call them the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of construction, because with the right setup, there’s almost nothing they can’t do.
Fixed Boom vs Rotating Telehandlers
When choosing a telehandler, your first decision is between a fixed boom or a rotating (Roto) telehandler.
- Fixed Boom: These are ideal for lifting and placing materials. They’re simple, strong, and great for straightforward loading and shifting tasks.
- Rotating Telehandler: These models rotate 360° while stationary on their outriggers perfect for tight sites where manoeuvrability is key. They essentially double as cranes, lifting loads from multiple angles without repositioning the machine.
The right choice comes down to your site layout and the type of work you’re doing. If flexibility and reach are high on your list, a Roto telehandler is worth serious consideration.
Key Specs to Consider: Capacity & Reach
Before you commit to a model, consider what you’re lifting and how far it needs to go.
- Lifting Capacity: Telehandlers range from small 2.5-tonne machines to heavy-lift models capable of handling 20+ tonnes.
- Reach: Depending on your needs, you might need a machine with a 7m boom or one that reaches 30m.
Getting this right is critical to keeping your site safe and productive. Underestimating capacity could mean downtime, costly delays, or worse, safety risks.
Attachments: What Can a Telehandler Do?
The real power of a telehandler lies in its attachments. These are quick to swap out and instantly transform your machine’s function. Popular options include:
- Forks: Standard for pallet handling.
- Buckets: For moving loose material.
- Crane Jibs: To lift long or awkward loads.
- Winches & Hooks: For hoisting tasks, replacing mobile cranes on site.
- Elevated Work Platforms (EWP): For safe access at height.
Some models allow you to change attachments at the push of a button, meaning zero downtime between tasks. With the right gear, a telehandler can replace multiple machines, freeing up space and cutting your equipment hire bill.
Safety First: Designed for Today’s Worksites
Telehandlers are designed with safety at their core because getting the job done shouldn’t come at the cost of crew wellbeing. Features like load sensors, automatic shutdowns, roll-over protection (ROPS), and falling-object protection (FOPS) give operators the confidence to work efficiently and safely.
The low-mounted boom improves visibility, while stabilisers or outriggers add extra stability when needed. With proper training, a planned travel path, and smart use of attachments, telehandlers help maintain safe, productive sites from day one.
Get Started with APS Equipment
Telehandlers don’t just save time, they can help you finish faster, with fewer machines, and win more jobs. We’ve been family-owned and operated for 40 years. And when it comes to telehandlers for construction, we deliver the most innovative models available in New Zealand, supported by a team that’s on the ground and on the tools every day.
If you’re unsure which telehandler suits your site, don’t stress. Our team is here to help. We’ll ask the right questions, recommend the best model for your goals, and provide the attachments, training, and backup you need to get moving.
Ready to work smarter? Get in touch with APS Equipment today.