A forklift and a telehandler both lift loads, but they work in different places. A forklift lifts straight up from flat ground. A telehandler, also called a reachable forklift, has a boom that extends up and forward and drives on rough ground.
Forklift: flat ground, pallets, docks
A forklift is the efficient choice for moving pallets in a yard, loading trucks and stacking racking. Our Yale and Toyota forklifts lift 3,000 to 8,000 lb on pneumatic tires for outdoor and rough pavement. The load stays close to the mast, so the lift is stable and efficient.
Telehandler: reach and rough ground
A telehandler places a load out in front of the machine and high up. That helps when the load must go onto a roof, a second floor, over a trench or past an obstacle. The JLG G6-42A reaches roughly 42 ft in height and roughly 29 to 30 ft forward, lifts about 6,000 lb and has four-wheel drive, as listed by the manufacturer.
| Forklift | Telehandler | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Straight up, load close to the machine | Boom reaches up and forward |
| Ground | Firm, flat, or pneumatic tires on rough pavement | Dirt, gravel, mud, slopes (4×4) |
| Typical height | About 10 to 14 ft masts (171 in on the triple mast) | About 42 ft on our JLG |
| Capacity (ours) | 3,000 to 8,000 lb | About 6,000 lb at low reach, less at full reach |
| Footprint | Narrow, 37 to 55 in | About 7 ft wide, long and heavy |
| Best for | Pallets, docks, yards, steel | Roofs, upper floors, over obstacles, building sites |
How to choose
- Does the load have to go higher than about 14 ft or out over something? Choose a telehandler.
- Is the ground flat and firm? A forklift is simpler and usually the lowest-cost fit.
- Is the ground soft or sloped? A four-wheel-drive telehandler handles it better.
- How wide is the gate or aisle? Forklifts are narrower; a telehandler needs room to maneuver.
- How heavy is the load at full reach? Telehandler capacity falls as the boom extends. Check the load chart.
Safety
Operators must be trained and evaluated by their employer under OSHA rules. Never travel with a raised load, and keep the load low and the boom retracted when moving.
Frequently asked questions
Is a telehandler the same as a Lull?
Lull was a well-known telehandler brand, now part of JLG. People often say “Lull” for any reachable forklift.
Can a telehandler lift people?
Only with an approved platform attachment and following the manual. Do not lift people on forks.
Can a telehandler use pallet forks?
Yes. Pallet forks are the standard attachment, and a truss boom or bucket may also be available. Ask us.
Which is cheaper to rent?
A forklift is usually the more economical choice when the job is flat ground and a straight lift. Call 718-344-1474 for availability.