Key takeaways
- Forklifts excel at lifting straight up on firm, level ground.
- Telehandlers reach forward and up, and handle rough ground.
- Capacity on a telehandler falls as the boom extends.
Side by side
Both lift loads on forks, but they solve different problems:
| Forklift | Telehandler / boom loader | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Straight up and down | Up and forward on a telescopic boom |
| Best ground | Firm, level surfaces | Rough, uneven and unpaved sites |
| Typical use | Warehouses, yards, loading | Construction, placing loads at height |
| Attachments | Forks, some clamps | Forks, buckets, jibs (machine dependent) |
How to choose
If you need to place loads on upper floors, over obstacles or on rough sites, choose a telehandler. For pallets on flat ground at normal heights, a forklift is usually simpler and more economical.
Frequently asked questions
Which telehandlers do you rent?
Our fleet includes telehandler models 532, 535, 537 and 540. Send the load, height and reach to match the model.