What Is A Telehandler?
Telehandler is short for ‘telescopic handler’. It is a machine that is commonly used to transport heavy materials from point A to point B. They are vehicles that are fitted with a telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards from the vehicle. Boom lifts and forklifts are common types of telehandlers.
They also have access to multiple different types of attachments that can increase their functionality. This makes them adaptable to different types of jobs and able to lift different types of materials, such as gravel, lumber, and bricks.
This functionality makes it a versatile piece of machinery that is seen in use in the construction and agriculture industry across the country.
What Are Telehandlers Used For?
They are most used in the construction and agriculture industries to lift and move materials from one place to another. You will usually see telehandlers being used to move construction materials to where they are needed on-site. This is a much more efficient way of transporting material.
They can also be used as work platforms with the proper attachment, allowing workers in both the construction and agriculture industries to work at greater heights with ease.
How much does it cost to hire a telehandler?
The cost of hiring a telehandler varies based on a few different factors. It depends on the job you need the equipment for as this can affect the type you’re hiring and the length of time you will need it for.
Telehandler hire is a much more cost-effective option when compared to buying one outright. Please get in touch with us for more information on the costs of our telehandler hire.
How Much Is a new telehandler?
The cost of a new telehandler can range anywhere from £60,000 to £120,000. The cost will depend on the size of the machine, how much weight it can carry, and if it is equipped for any specific type of job.
These high costs are why telehandler hire is a great option in comparison to purchasing. It helps keep costs low, removes any issues around breakdowns, maintenance and repairs, and means you won’t have to worry about storing the machinery for long periods of time.
What licence do i need to drive a telehandler?
If you are driving a telehandler on a construction site, you do not need a licence. If you are driving one of these vehicles on the road, then you need a full valid driving licence.
However, specific training is required in order to actually operate a telehandler legally and safely. An accredited telescopic handler training course will need to be completed to certify that you can safely operate this piece of machinery.
The type of licence required to just drive a telehandler on the road is a standard category B car licence. This means that if you already have a licence to drive a car, you can drive one on the road.
There are restrictions however on what weight of vehicle you can drive on the road based upon your age.
- 17-year-olds can only drive vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes
- 18-year-olds can drive vehicles that weigh from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes
- 21-year-olds can drive vehicles that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes
These vehicles do vary in weight so it is important to consider this if you are looking to hire one. Please get in touch with us to learn more about the specifications of the telehandlers we have available for hire.
How much does a telehandler weigh?
The weight of telehandlers varies from each machine. It isn’t uncommon to see machines that weigh over 13,000kg. The more weight the telehandler can carry, the heavier the machine will be overall.
How much a telehandler weighs will also be affected by the type of job that it is equipped for. A telehandler that is built to handle more rugged conditions will weigh more than a vehicle that is better equipped to be driven on the road.
What weight can a telehandler lift?
They can lift weights from 2000kg to 5500kg. This depends on the model of the machine, the type of job it is required for, the attachments being used, and the maximum outreach of the telehandler.
This means that larger vehicles will have the capacity to lift larger weights. Different attachments on the telehandler will also allow for different weights to be carried. For example, a telehandler lifting jib can allow for weights of up to 4000kgs.



