Telehandlers: When Low and Slow is Best

by Becky Schultz
Created: July 17, 2012

Take your time and plan ahead when using a telescopic handler to transport and place loads.

Prior to a lift, study and apply load charts carefully. Do not exceed maximum capacity within each respective load range.
Prior to a lift, study and apply load charts carefully. Do not exceed maximum capacity within each respective load range.
If visibility may be compromised when picking or placing a load, a spotter should be used to to communicate with the operator throughout the lift.
If visibility may be compromised when picking or placing a load, a spotter should be used to to communicate with the operator throughout the lift.
Park the telehandler on a level surface, or level out the machine using the frame level function and the level indicator. Use stabilizers if required.
Park the telehandler on a level surface, or level out the machine using the frame level function and the level indicator. Use stabilizers if required.
When traveling on uneven or muddy terrain, limit travel speed to maintain machine and load stability. During travel, keep the boom fully retracted and as low to the ground as possible.
When traveling on uneven or muddy terrain, limit travel speed to maintain machine and load stability. During travel, keep the boom fully retracted and as low to the ground as possible.
If visibility may be compromised when picking or placing a load at maximum lift heights, a spotter should be used to to communicate with the operator throughout the lift.
If visibility may be compromised when picking or placing a load at maximum lift heights, a spotter should be used to to communicate with the operator throughout the lift.

Once an approved work platform is identified, ensure that it is properly secured to the machine. “The telehandler must be on a firm surface and level prior to elevating the personnel work platform,” says Boeckman. “The parking brake needs to be engaged and the platform must be leveled both side to side and front to back.”

Check that the area under the platform is free of personnel. “When individuals are in the platform, the operator must remain seated in the cab with the platform personnel in direct line of sight,” Boeckman stresses. “The telehandler must not be driven when individuals are in the personnel work platform.”

Make sure the operator and the personnel in the platform are in constant communication via hand signals and/or radio communication. And as with any lift, make sure that the combination of the work platform, personnel and any tools or materials in the work platform fall within allowable load limits specified for the machine. ET