Uplifting

Sept. 1, 2000
Renting the right telescopic handler involves answering several key questions.Arguably, no other type of equipment involves as many selection criteria

Renting the right telescopic handler involves answering several key questions.

Arguably, no other type of equipment involves as many selection criteria as lift equipment, especially telescopic lifts. Boom lift height, forward reach, capacity, engine horsepower, operator visibility, hydraulic control, machine size, load-landing ability and product reliability differ among all telescopic lifts on the market. Yet all those factors should be considered depending on job-site conditions. The question is, how can you help your customers rent the appropriate model for the job?

A contractor must answer two primary questions before renting a telescopic handler: Where do I need to place materials, and how heavy are the materials?

Based on the weight of the materials and the landing requirements, the capacity and boom length of the telescopic lift needed can be determined. Also, job-site factors such as soil makeup, terrain and landing zone access are critical to renting the ideal machine.

For less-than-optimal soil conditions, evaluate the drive train, engine horsepower, axle loading, overall weight and the tires used on the telescopic lift. For example, in muddy conditions, a smaller machine with greater horsepower should be used to minimize the chances of getting stuck. In addition, air- or ballast-filled tires provide better traction than foam-filled tires on loose or muddy soil.

Another common job-site variance is the terrain. A telescopic handler's capacity to address uneven terrain depends upon its ground clearance and frame-tilt ability. If side slopes are present, the telescopic handler's ability to travel across the job site is limited by its frame-leveling range. In that case, a lift with greater frame-leveling ability should be rented.

Clutter is another job-site element that can affect a telescopic lift's performance. Equipment features to be considered when facing clutter concerns are turning radius, machine length, steering ability and, once again, tire selection.

Bigger is better? That the biggest machine with the most features will perform the best for any given application is a common fallacy. The most common problem occurs when a machine is too large and heavy for a particular job. This not only makes maneuvering difficult but also poses a greater risk of getting stuck. A good rule of thumb is to rent a telescopic handler for its landing ability and capacity at landing, not for its overall lift capacity.

On the other hand, a machine must be adequate for the job-site demands. A smaller machine is less expensive and easier to maneuver, but if it can't lift and land what the contractor needs it to, time and money are wasted. Often, the primary factor considered when renting a telescopic handler, or any equipment, is price. But when price is the main deciding factor, capabilities can suffer.

Selection simplified Many trends in telescopic handler technology are making equipment selection simpler. One of these developments is the improvement of operator visibility. Many machines are designed with low boom mounts to increase visibility. Others are designed with higher boom mounts that allow the operator to look under the boom. An advantage to these high-boom designs is that the load can be raised to travel over rough terrain without decreasing forward visibility.

Another popular feature is the movable boom carriage, which can be rolled hydraulically back and forth on steel rails, moving the load forward up to 80 inches and landing materials at the maximum lifting height. Compared with fixed boom machines, units with movable boom carriages provide more flexibility when facing difficult-to-reach landing zones or confronting excess clutter. Most importantly, they eliminate the guesswork and reduce the time required in lifting and landing loads.

Another trend making selection easier is the onset of hybrid telescopic handlers such as 6,000-pound-capacity machines with the reach of an 8,000-pound machine. These units are built with 42- to 44-foot booms, allowing contractors to land loads higher than with traditional 6,000-pound machines.

Increase rentals with attachments Even if a telescopic handler alone does not have the capabilities for a given job site, numerous attachments are available to adapt. Many attachments are designed to address the type of materials being lifted. Smaller width carriages work well in masonry; whereas larger carriages are better for framing and steel erection activities.

To save time, dual- and single-fork positioning carriages allow operators to position the forks hydraulically instead of moving them manually to address different load sizes. Many additional attachment options are available for telescopic handlers, but it is important to realize that attachments can enhance a machine's ability to engage duties outside its typical scope, making it more rental-friendly.

JCB

JCB's 506C High Lift Loadall telescopic handler features a 6,000-pound capacity to full height of 42 feet. The unit has a three-stage boom that extends to a forward reach of 27 feet, 5 inches with a load capacity of 1,500 pounds. The 506C HL is equipped with a standard 80-horsepower engine or optional 100-horsepower turbo engine, a SynchroShuttle or optional Powershift transmission, and standard auxiliary hydraulics and quick-attach.

Upright

The XR Series, UpRight's newest line of telescopic handlers, offers 6,000- and 8,000-pound lift capacities with maximum lift heights of 41.5 feet and forward reach of up to 27.2 feet. The company says the machines have a patent-ending device to connect to skid-steer loader attachments such as drill augers, gravel buckets and sweepers.

Gehl

Gehl's Dynalift telescopic handler, available in models 552 and 553 (pictured), has been upgraded with a lighter and stronger boom assembly, smoother pilot-operated boom controls, a tilt steering column and a single directional/speed selector, the company says.

Swift Attachment

Swift Attachment designs attachments to be compatible with any make or model of reach forklift. They mount directly onto the forks of the machine.

Wastequip Holt

The Wastequip Holt Mini Roll-Off trailer and truck system with open-top containers is available from 10-15-20 cubic yards, plus equipment skids and storage containers. The containers and decks roll completely off the trailer or truck and can be left at the job site. This hydraulic system is powered by a gasoline engine on both trailer models and a truck PTO for both truck hoists. Payload for the trailer hoists is 3 1/2 tons. Truck hoists range from 4 to 7 1/2 tons.

Genie

This self-propelled telescopic boom from Genie Industries is available in models S-120 and S-125 (pictured). The S-125 has a working height of 131 feet, outreach of 80 feet, a 500-pound lift capacity and an 8-foot steel platform. Other features include four-wheel drive with four-wheel brakes, extendable axles that are operated from the platform, 360-degree continuous turnable rotation and three diesel engine options.

Lull

The 644D-34 telescopic handler, the first D Series model from Lull International, is a 6,000-pound-capacity unit with a 34-foot maximum lift and landing height. A Cummins four-cylinder engine delivers 85 horsepower to the four-wheel-drive system, and four-wheel steering offers a turning radius of 13 feet, 6 inches. The 644D-34 can handle truss boom, sweeper broom with bucket, auger and concrete hopper attachments.

K-D Manitou

K-D Manitou's MA470 is a rough-terrain forklift equipped with a four-wheel-drive articulated chassis. The unit has a 106-horsepower Perkins turbo diesel engine, a hydrostatic transmission, 17-degree forward tilt, 12-degree backward tilt and an enclosed steel cab. The mast measures 141 inches to 177 inches and can lift up to 15,000 pounds.

Ingersoll-Rand

The VR-636B and VR-642B (pictured) telescopic material handlers from Ingersoll-Rand are 6,000-pound-class units that can lift and carry 6,700 pounds. The VR-642B can lift loads to a height or 42 feet with a forward reach of 26 feet, 3 inches. Each unit is powered by a Cummins Elite 80-horsepower engine and features an A-frame boom mount design to improve visibility and cushioned boom lift cylinders.

Sky Trak

Sky Trak International offers several attachments and options for its rough-terrain telescopic material handlers. Attachments include earth augers (pictured), concrete buckets, utility buckets, truss booms, windrow brooms, sheet material handlers and auxiliary hydraulics. Options include a variety of carriage and fork options, hard or soft cab enclosure, a light package and specialty tires.

Komatsu Forklift

CX Series forklifts from Komatsu Forklift have capacity ratings from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds and are available with a displacement diesel or gasoline/liquid propane gas engine. Also available are pneumatic or solid cushion tires, a compact frame and a suspension cab. The unitized frame features integral fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks along with a welded cross-member.

Snorkel

The TB Series of telescoping booms from Snorkel International features aluminum booms; gas, LPG, dual fuel (gas/LPG) or diesel engines; and high-torque motors. The TB 50 (pictured) has a working height of 56 feet, a lifting capacity of 500 pounds and 180 degrees of hydraulic platform rotation.

Eagle-Picher

RT-Series lift trucks from Eagle-Picher are available in two- and four-wheel drive. With lifting capacities of 5,000, 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, the RT-Series delivers 80 horsepower with a four-cylinder Perkins 1004 diesel engine. The two- or three-stage side-shifting mast features dual cylinders and dual side chains to enhance visibility through the mast and a 45-degree hydraulic forward tilt to facilitate transport and storage.

Traverse Lift

Traverse Lift manufactures forklifts with a multiple-section telescopic boom. The TL F-644 (pictured) has a 6,000-pound lift capacity, a maximum lift/landing height of 44 feet, a forward reach of up to 30 feet, 3 inches and a maximum travel speed of 20 mph. Standard features include four-wheel drive, a three-section boom, single-lever joystick control, load-sensing hydraulics and a 100-horsepower diesel engine.

Sellick

The SG-Series rough terrain forklift from Sellick Equipment is available with two- and four-wheel drive. Standard features include 5,000- to 6,000-pound lift capacities, side shift, a four-speed torque converter transmission, enclosed wet disc brakes and a Perkins 1004-4 diesel engine with gasoline or propane options. The lift is 75 inches wide, 75 inches high and has an outside turning radius of 135 inches. Masts with lift heights up to 30 feet are offered.

Daewoo

The G5 Series of lift trucks from Daewoo offers gasoline, liquid propane, dual fuel and diesel engine options. The units feature capacities of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, pneumatic and cushion tires, tilt steering and enclosed, oil-cooled disc brakes. The G25P (pictured) has a 5,000-pound lift capacity, gas/LP power options, pneumatic tires and driver-seated operation.