Telehandler Rentals: Everything You Need To Know

The telescopic handler is a multi-use piece of equipment that can be found under many names. Also called a telehandler, teleporter, reach forklift, boom lift, lull or cherry picker, the telehandler is often used in agriculture to move hay and hay bales.

Mainly used in agriculture the telehandler is growing in popularity outside of the agriculture industries and are now seen on construction sites and manufacturing plants among others. They can be used for a variety of jobs including moving heavy loads off trucks, cleaning up sites, moving materials and plowing snow.

Common Uses of Material Handlers

The telehandler is a truly versatile piece of equipment. The extendable boom and ability to use a variety of attachments gives the telehandler many different applications. 

Primarily used as a “lift and place” tool, the telehandler is seen as a more advanced forklift since it has a greater extension ability than a traditional forklift. 

It can be fitted with pallet forks, a bucket, lifting jibs, sweeper and work platforms. With so many different attachments, telehandlers can help perform jobs like lifting and moving material, moving loads of earth, cleaning worksites, lifting workers to an aerial height or even snow removal.

Renting the Right Telehandler for the Job

Telehandler rentals listed on DOZR are organized by lift capacity and forward reach. It is important to have an understanding of the job requirements before renting a telehandler. This can direct what lift capacity and reach the telehandler should have as well as what types of attachments should be added to the rental.

At this time it was purchased and owned by a man named Badger Bazen from Johnsonville, S.C. who changed the name to Lull Industries and finally Lull International. Over the next few years the Lull name was passed around some more, joining The Harbour Group of St Louis in 1996 which made it a division of SkyTak. In 2003, after a few more company ownership shuffles, JLG acquired the Lull name and used the brand recognition to lead the way for the North American telehandler market.

Despite the many twists and turns that the Lull name has seen it grew to become a recognized brand name for a telehandler. In fact it has been used synonymously for the term “telehandler” and some people refer to the machine simply as a “lull”.

A division of JLG, the Lull telehandler line is on it’s way to extinction. JLG announced in 2014 that they would cease all production of Lull telehandlers in 2015 but would continue to service Lull telehandlers beyond that time. This decision was made in response to a market decline for Lull telehandler models and increased EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) engine standards. 

The Lull models of telehandler are the Lull 644E-42, 944E-42 and 1044C-45 Series II.

A number of other brands began manufacturing their own telehandler machines such as CAT, JLG and Bobcat. Modern telehandlers are able to reach up to 65 feet in the air and carry more than 20,000 lbs. They are now being recognized for their diversity in manufacturing and construction. More recently telehandlers have been seen as a tool for snow removal. 

With the construction industry prioritizing project efficiency the value of the telehandler is on the rise.

Manufacturers & Models of Telehandlers

There are many different manufacturers to consider when looking to rent or buy a telehandler. Most companies make different sizes and models of telehandlers to accommodate projects of all sizes and natures. All of these, including different attachments, are available for rent on DOZR.

Caterpillar

One of the most recognized names in construction today, Caterpillar was started by Benjamin Holt in 1907 when he invented the continuous track system for machines.

When he saw how it crawled along the ground, dubbed it the caterpillar and the rest is history. The company was officially formed in 1925 and has since grown into a global corporation that leads the way for construction machines and innovation. 

Today Caterpillar has 11 different models of telehandlers, ranging from max lift heights of 18 – 54 feet. The CAT TH255C is their smallest model with a rated load capacity of 5,500 lbs and a maximum lift height of 18,37 feet.

JCB

Joseph Cyril Bamford established JCB in 1945 and has been pioneering the idea of the telehandler since 1977. Today JCB is one of the world’s top equipment manufacturers with over 2,000 dealer locations in over 150 countries. 

The original JCB telehandler – the JCB 520 Telescopic Handler – was launched by  Joseph Bamford among a blaze of glory and publicity in 1977. It took the industry by storm and lead to the development of the JCB Loadall range of products.

Within two years the company developed a two-wheel and four-wheel version of the machine with a variety of attachments. Today the Loadall range continues to be one of its most successful product lines.

Potential Safety Hazards Telehandlers

As it is with any type of heavy machinery operation, use of a telehandler requires training and planning to help ensure safe operation.

Never operate a telehandler without first receiving proper training. Never operate a telehandler on a Jobsite if it is not safe to do so.

There are a number of reasons, like bad weather, excessive loose materials and debris in the work area, wet or muddy terrain, or high wind speeds, which can increase the safety hazards of using a telehandler. Always follow safety procedures and take the time to plan accordingly before beginning to work with a piece of machinery. 

Practices for Safe Operation

• Always follow manufacturing guidelines and weight restrictions
• Never operate a telehandler without receiving proper training
• Always check blind spots and use general equipment operation safety practices to keep you and fellow workers safe
• Organize work projects away from ground personnel and always be aware of people working around the machine
• Always wear a seat belt
• Never lift anyone with a skid steer attachment