Telescopic handlers, or telehandlers, are an important piece of machinery for streamlining construction operations. These versatile machines combine the lifting power of a crane with the convenience and flexibility of a forklift, making them indispensable on jobsites. Workers aiming for streamlined project timelines and improved workplace efficiency can see the benefits of these machines.
Understanding how telehandlers improve efficiency on jobsites can make a big difference in how you select machinery for your next project. Keep reading to learn about their versatility and some of the labor-saving benefits that these machines provide.
What Makes Telehandlers Stand Out in Construction
Many companies invest in telehandlers because they’re multifunctional, practical, and work for a wide range of projects. They can help reduce the need for multiple machines on-site by handling a wide range of different tasks on their own.
Companies can use telehandlers to lift materials to higher locations, transport heavy loads across uneven terrain, and as platforms for workers needing to perform tasks at elevated locations. By providing a wide range of options, they serve as a multipurpose piece of equipment that can streamline resources and workplace coordination.
Their flexibility also means telehandlers can perform a variety of tasks across different phases of a construction project. These machines are great for early groundwork as well as final touches such as roofing or painting and can significantly reduce downtime throughout the project.
Reducing the Need for Multiple Pieces of Equipment
A common problem with construction sites is that they require far too many tools to perform a specialized task. Sites often require cranes, forklifts, scaffolding, and other equipment to tackle an individual task. More gear leads to issues with logistics, storage, and staff training. However, a telehandler helps condense multiple functions into a single piece of machinery.
Because telehandlers can use a wide range of attachments, sites can equip them with buckets, pallet forks, winches, or platforms to adapt them to a wide range of applications. This versatility not only saves space on-site but also enhances workflow efficiency since operators are not constantly switching between machines. Telehandlers help simplify operations, which results in faster project completion, reduced logistic concerns, and lower operational costs.
Increasing Productivity With Elevation and Reach
Common characteristics of construction sites involve multistory buildings, uneven terrain, and hard-to-reach locations. Fortunately, these are all issues that telehandlers can take care of. Unlike traditional forklifts, which operate best on flat surfaces and at limited heights, telehandlers can extend their boom upward or forward to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
This can help eliminate the time crews spend swapping out equipment or coming up with alternative solutions for materials or tools. Telehandlers help crew members working at heightened elevations maintain proper supplies and work more efficiently. With a single telehandler, construction managers can replace the need for scaffolding and ladders for repetitive tasks such as lifting timber, bricks, or tools.
Handling Heavy Materials With Ease
Another way telehandlers improve efficiency on jobsites is by making it easier to lift and handle materials such as steel beams, concrete blocks, or other pieces of equipment. These machines can handle substantial loads while maintaining stability across uneven terrain.
Slow or inefficient material handling can quickly derail project timelines, so it helps to have a single piece of equipment that can take care of multiple functions. With better load capacity, workers can make fewer trips, allowing them to focus on the tasks at hand.
Navigating Challenging Terrain
Smooth, even surfaces are a rarity on construction sites, and workers must deal with dirt, mud, gravel, and other debris that can slow down a lot of equipment. Fortunately, most modern telehandlers offer rough-terrain capabilities, helping them thrive in tougher environments.
They utilize rugged tires and advanced suspension systems to balance traction and stability that makes it easier to operate on difficult terrain. These features help keep operations flowing smoothly, even in adverse weather conditions. They provide reliable performance and make it easier to deal with challenging environments.
Reducing Labor Costs and Increasing Team Efficiency
Consolidating the functions of multiple machines means that telehandlers can also reduce the need for a larger team. You can bring fewer operators onto a site when you only need one machine to lift, transport, and elevate materials. This centralization minimizes rental costs and helps optimize labor allocation.
Additionally, teams can complete tasks that require manual intervention such as scaffolding or moving loads manually quickly and more efficiently with a telehandler. This creates a team that is more focused and equipped for higher-value tasks, resulting in improved overall productivity and reduced labor expenses.
Enhancing Site Safety Standards
You can’t undervalue the importance of safety on a jobsite. Telehandlers can lift materials to specific heights, reducing the need for manual handling and limiting the risk of injuries. Operators can work from secure cabins and worry less about the common injuries that may occur when working from great heights.
Many modern telehandlers offer advanced safety features such as load management systems that alert operators if there’s too much weight. This greatly reduces the likelihood of tipping or collapsing, leading to a safer, more secure jobsite.
Supporting Long-Term Cost Savings
While telehandlers often have a high upfront investment cost, they can offer long-term benefits that make them an optimal choice for construction projects. Their durability and range of applications reduce the frequency of machine rentals. Furthermore, the ability to perform various tasks with one machine minimizes operational costs for storage, maintenance, and operator training.
Telehandlers typically have fewer breakdowns, faster task execution, and reduced downtime, all of which are major factors that aid in financial savings. They’re an excellent asset that offers multiple returns over the course of different projects.
Telehandlers represent a shift in how construction managers approach efficiency on jobsites. By combining the functions of multiple devices into a single, adaptable unit, they address key challenges such as time constraints, labor costs, and safety concerns. They are purpose-built for evolving construction needs, ensuring that projects not only stay on time but also remain within budget.
Contact La Grange Crane Service today to learn more about how our telehandler rental options can help streamline your construction projects. With flexible rental plans and top-of-the-line equipment, we can provide you with reliable solutions that allow you to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
