Frequently Asked Questions About Telehandlers
What is a telehandler?
A telehandler (telescopic handler) is a versatile lifting machine with an extendable boom that can reach forward and upward. It combines the capabilities of a forklift, crane, and loader, making it essential for construction, agriculture, and industrial applications.
What can a telehandler be used for?
Telehandlers are used for lifting pallets, bricks, roofing materials, hay bales, and other heavy loads to height. With attachments, they can also be used as loaders, work platforms, and material handlers on construction sites and farms.
How high can a telehandler reach?
MCM telehandlers can reach heights of up to 17 metres depending on the model. The lift height and forward reach vary by model — contact our sales team to find the right telehandler for your project requirements.
On South African construction sites, telehandlers are typically used for placing concrete blocks, structural steel sections, roof trusses and glass panels at height — tasks that require the precision of a crane but at a scale that does not justify crane hire. Their rubber-tyred chassis and compact profile allow them to travel across the site, enter buildings and operate close to structures without the setup time and ground preparation required by cranes.
Maximum lift height and lift capacity at maximum height are the two most important specifications for a telehandler. A 7-metre lift height at 1,000 kg is common in construction. Agricultural telehandlers are often specified for 5—6-metre lift height with 2,500—3,500 kg capacity — sufficient for bale stacking and fertiliser bag handling. Check the load chart for the specific combination of boom extension and lift height required for your application.
Attachment versatility is a significant advantage of telehandlers. A single machine with a rotator-style quick-coupler can carry a pallet fork, bucket, bale clamp, man basket and crane hook — making it a multi-purpose machine across all areas of a farm or construction project.
MCM Group telehandlers come with full local warranty, parts availability and after-sales support from branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng and Bloemfontein. Competitive operating lease and instalment sale finance is available through MCM Group's approved finance partners.
