How to Choose the Right Telehandler for Your Job Site: A Complete Guide

DateFebruary 1, 2026
Time2:08 PM
AuthorMike Dougherty

Telehandlers for sale, or telescopic handlers, are essential pieces of equipment on construction sites, agricultural fields, and industrial environments. With their ability to lift, move, and place materials over long distances, they can significantly improve efficiency. However, choosing the right telehandler for your job site depends on several factors, including capacity, reach, and maneuverability. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you select the best telehandler for sale your specific needs.

Understand the Weight Capacity

The first step in choosing a telehandler is determining the weight of the materials you’ll be lifting and moving. Each telehandler model is rated for a specific lifting capacity, which is the maximum weight it can safely lift.

Low-Capacity Telehandlers (Up to 5,000 lbs.): Ideal for smaller projects such as residential construction, light materials handling, and farm operations.
Mid-Capacity Telehandlers (5,000 – 10,000 lbs.): These telehandlers can handle moderate loads and are commonly used in mid-sized commercial construction or industrial sites.
High-Capacity Telehandlers (10,000+ lbs.): For large construction projects and industries dealing with heavy materials, high-capacity telehandlers are essential. They are suitable for tasks such as moving large loads of concrete, steel beams, or heavy containers.

Tips:

Always choose a telehandler that can lift more than your heaviest load to ensure smooth operations and safety on-site.

Evaluate the Reach Requirements

Telehandlers are designed to extend their boom to lift materials at height or over obstacles. It’s crucial to evaluate both the vertical and horizontal reach required for your job.

Vertical Reach: The maximum height a telehandler can lift is vital for tasks like roofing, placing materials on higher floors, or loading trucks.
Horizontal Reach: This is essential for extending materials across distances, such as across scaffolding or over uneven terrain.

For example, if your job site requires lifting loads to the second or third floor of a building, you’ll need a telehandler with a vertical reach of 30-50 feet. Smaller projects may only require telehandlers with a vertical reach of 15-20 feet.

Tips:

Consider the boom reach specifications in your job’s unique context, ensuring that the telehandler can both reach and safely balance loads at maximum extension.

Best-Selling Used Telehandlers For Sale

Vertical Reach: The maximum height a telehandler can lift is vital for tasks like roofing, placing materials on higher floors, or loading trucks.
Horizontal Reach: This is essential for extending materials across distances, such as across scaffolding or over uneven terrain.
Vertical Reach: The maximum height a telehandler can lift is vital for tasks like roofing, placing materials on higher floors, or loading trucks.
Horizontal Reach: This is essential for extending materials across distances, such as across scaffolding or over uneven terrain.

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