Ever struggled to lift heavy loads or reach high places on the job? A telehandler (also called a telescopic handler) could be the versatile solution you need.
This powerful machine combines the lifting capability of a crane with the agility of a forklift, letting you haul and place materials where ordinary equipment can’t.
In this guide, we’ll explain what telehandler actually is, explore its common uses in construction and agriculture, outline the key benefits of telehandlers, and give tips on choosing and maintaining the right model. We’ll even highlight the best telehandlers foe sale at Worldwide Construction Machinery in Perth, WA. Let’s get started.
What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler looks a bit like a forklift on steroids. It has a front-mounted boom that can extend outward and upward. Unlike a regular forklift, which only lifts straight up and down, a telehandler’s extendable arm lets it reach over obstacles and into tight spaces. In essence, it’s a hybrid of a crane and a forklift: strong enough to lift heavy loads and flexible enough to move them anywhere on site.
Because of its versatility, a telehandler goes by many names. In Australia and worldwide, you’ll hear telehandler, telescopic handler, boom lift, or even teleporter. But no matter what you call it, the core idea is the same: a multi-purpose, four-wheel-drive machine built to navigate rough terrain and do jobs that no single machine could handle alone.
In everyday terms, imagine a telescopic handler forklift that can extend its arm 5 to 17+ meters high (depending on model). This boom can be fitted with different attachments like fork tines, buckets, grabs, man-lifts, etc. This way one telehandler can replace several machines.
In fact, with the right attachment, a telehandler can instantly become a pallet stacker, a front-end loader, a mobile work platform, or even a mini crane. This unique design is why telehandlers are often called “lifting machines that do the work of many” on construction and farming sites.
Common Telehandler Uses in Agriculture & Earthmoving
Telehandlers shine on projects where lifting, placing, and accessing hard-to-reach areas is the daily grind:
In agriculture, they’re priceless on farms and ranches. For example, telehandlers mostly handle hay and straw, moving hay bales from the field or stacking them in barns with ease. With a hay-fork attachment or bucket, a telescopic handler can scoop up bulk feed, distribute silage, even clean out manure. Daily chores like cleaning stables, moving hay bales, stacking logs, and clearing fields become much simpler when a telehandler’s long-reach boom and 4-wheel steering make tight corners and uneven ground no problem.
On construction and earthmoving sites, telehandlers are equally handy. They’re used to load and unload trucks, lifting pallets of bricks or bags of cement into high places or over fences. On a busy jobsite, telehandlers clean up debris, move building materials (pipes, lumber, blocks) across rough ground, and help erect scaffolding or trusses by placing components exactly where needed.
In mining, oil & gas, tunnelling, and infrastructure projects, they handle heavy loads in confined areas. They mostly operate at:
- airports to load cargo containers
- warehousing and manufacturing to move heavy equipment
- utilities jobs to install poles or pipe sections
Anywhere you need to pick up heavy loads and place them high or far, a telehandler can do the job.
Key Benefits of Telehandlers
Here’s why telehandlers are the most versatile equipment on Australian job sites:
Heavy Lifting with Stability
Telehandlers can lift several tons in a single pick. Thanks to outriggers or front stabilisers, a telehandler can safely winch heavier loads than a crane or forklift of the same size. For example, compact models easily lift pallets of blocks or roofing materials, while large units lift 4–5+ ton loads.
Extended Reach and Height
The telescopic boom gives telehandlers a reach advantage. Unlike fixed forklifts, a telehandler can extend its arm forward and upward. This means you can place loads on upper stories, over walls, or deep into the back of a truck bed, all with the loader standing on the ground. Some high-reach models can extend over 15 meters, letting you do the work of a crane for many applications.
Versatility with Attachments
One telehandler replaces many machines because of its quick-change attachments. Switch from forks (for palletised goods) to buckets (for earth or gravel) to grapples or hay-spears in minutes. Need to lift workers instead of materials? Clip on a man-platform. It’s a true multi-tool; one machine can perform multiple roles by simply swapping heads.
On- and Off-Road Capability
Most telehandlers are 4-wheel drive and offer various steering modes like front-wheel steer, 4-wheel steer, and crab steer. This gives them excellent off-road performance and maneuverability. They can tackle mud, gravel, and uneven quarry floors far better than a warehouse forklift. Their rugged tyres and high clearance let them travel on roads between sites as well.
Versatility in Operating Conditions
Whether indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, telehandlers adapt. Their large wheelbase and optional outrigger stabilisers give them better traction and balance on slippery or uneven ground. Many models have climate-controlled cabs with air conditioning and heating, and features like return-to-position hydraulics that automatically level the boom.
Safety and Productivity
Modern telehandlers include safety features like load-sensing, overload protection, and stability control. This minimises tip-over risk even when the boom is extended. By replacing dangerous manual lifts with a machine, telehandlers reduce worker strain and injury. They also improve jobsite productivity.
Cost-Effectiveness
Because a telehandler combines the roles of forklift, loader, and crane, it reduces equipment needs. Companies don’t have to rent separate machines for lifting, stacking, and earth-moving tasks. Additionally, telehandlers mostly require only one skilled operator for multiple tasks which cuts labour costs. Over the long run, a well-chosen telehandler pays for itself through efficiency gains and by avoiding downtime that might occur while waiting for different machines to arrive on site.
How to Choose the Right Telehandler for Your Project
Picking the right telehandler depends on your specific needs. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Load Weight
How heavy are the loads you need to lift? Always choose a telehandler with a rated capacity well above your heaviest load.
For safety and stability, it’s wise to have a buffer above the expected weight. A machine’s capacity also depends on boom extension. The further out you are, the less it can lift. Studying load charts provided by manufacturers helps match the telehandler to your loads.
2. Lift Height and Reach
How high and how far do you need to lift? Some projects need only a few meters of lift. Whereas, others like roof work or tall shelving require over 10 or 15 meters of reach. Select a model whose boom can extend to the required height with a safe margin. For example, a compact telehandler might reach 10m, while a high-lift model can go 15–17m or more.
3. Jobsite Accessibility and Size
Consider where the telehandler needs to go. If your site has narrow aisles or low clearances, a super-compact or compact telehandler is ideal. These smaller units fit through tight spaces and even inside buildings. If space isn’t a constraint, a larger telehandler gives more power.
So, narrow down your choice by telehandler’s suitable size. Below is a quick table of telehandler size categories (from smallest to largest) to guide your decision:
Telehandler Type | Lift Capacity & Height | Typical Use |
Super Compact | ≤2.5 tons; 3–5.5 m height | Tight urban sites, landscaping, small farms, or indoor use |
Compact | Up to 4 tons; 10 m reach | General construction, smaller sites, warehouses |
Standard Lift | Medium capacity; 6–11 m reach | Most common – farms, construction, pallet handling |
High Lift | Up to 4 tons; 17 m height | Multi-story builds, bridge work, silos |
Heavy Load | 5–7 tons; 10 m height | Quarries, heavy construction, industrial sites |
4. Terrain and Mobility
Will the telehandler mainly stay on flat, paved ground, or does it need to tackle mud, gravel, or slopes?
For rough or uneven terrain, you need a 4WD telehandler with good ground clearance and possibly all-terrain tyres. Some telehandlers have crab-steer mode to move diagonally, which is handy in confined areas. Also, if you need to lift on slopes, look for a model with frame leveling or automatic stability controls.
5. Attachments and Tasks
List the attachments you’ll need. For example, forks, buckets, grabs, man-lifts, etc. Ensure the telehandler has a quick-hitch system compatible with those attachments. Like if you plan to scoop gravel, a general-purpose bucket is a must. If you’re doing landscaping, a 4-in-1 bucket that can clamp, dozer, and carry is handy.
Some telehandlers have auxiliary hydraulics or mounting points for specialty tools like augers or sweepers. Choose a model that can adapt to all your tasks.
6. New vs. Used Telehandler
Buying new telehandler gives you the latest technology and full warranty, which can be valuable for minimising downtime. However, used telehandlers can offer major savings. If choosing used, check hours, maintenance history, and inspect the boom and hydraulics carefully. For tight budgets or short-term use, a good-quality used telehandler might be cost-effective.
WCM offers both new and used options to fit any need or budget.
7. Telehandler Types
Telehandlers come in two main types to suit different jobsite needs. Choosing the right one depends on whether your priority is power and lift capacity or flexibility and reach in tight spaces.
(i) Fixed Boom Telehandlers
These are the traditional telehandler design, with a forward-facing, non-rotating telescopic boom. While they have limited movement, they can handle heavier loads thanks to optimized counterweight placement. They’re best for heavy lifting, material transport, construction sites, and industrial yards.
Key Features:
- Higher load capacity
- Stronger stability due to fixed structure
- More affordable and simpler to maintain
- Can lift higher and farther than forklifts
- Ideal for moving pallets and loose materials
(ii) Rotating Telehandlers (RTH)
Rotating models feature a cab and boom that rotate 360° while the base stays still. This allows greater reach and versatility, especially in compact or hard-to-navigate worksites. They work best for urban construction, multi-directional access, and tight spaces.
Key Features:
- Full 360° boom rotation for flexible reach
- Replaces multiple machines (crane, forklift, platform)
- Ideal for confined or high-access jobs
- Slightly lower lift capacity than fixed models
- Useful in areas where repositioning the machine is difficult
Telehandler Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance boosts safety, performance, and equipment lifespan. Here’s how to keep your telehandler in top shape:
- Do Daily Pre-Use Checks – Before using the machine, inspect fluid levels, check for leaks, and ensure tyres are properly inflated. Test brakes, lights, and safety features, and confirm that all attachments are secure and undamaged.
- Lubricate Regularly – Grease all pivot points and joints as recommended. Cycle the boom after greasing to distribute it evenly, and apply a light coat of oil to exposed parts to prevent rust.
- Monitor the Hydraulic System – Inspect hoses and seals for wear or leaks. Check fluid levels frequently and replace filters and oil at scheduled intervals.
- Maintain the Engine & Cooling System – Clean or replace air filters regularly. Remove debris from the radiator and cooling fins. Change engine oil and filters on time, and always use the correct type of oil and coolant.
- Check Brakes & Steering – Test the brakes for firmness and quick response. Check brake fluid and inspect for leaks. Make sure the steering feels smooth and accurate before operating.
- Inspect Tyres & Wheels – Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. Replace any that show cuts or exposed cords. Check and torque wheel nuts according to the maintenance schedule.
- Keep the Machine Clean – Regularly clean the cab, engine bay, and exterior. Clear dirt from moving parts and ensure good visibility by cleaning windows and mirrors.
- Follow the Service Schedule – Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals; daily checks, plus deeper servicing at 250 and 500 hours. WCM can help track and schedule maintenance.
- Train and Educate Operators – Only certified operators should use the telehandler. Train them to perform basic checks and operate the machine safely and correctly.
Top 4 Telehandlers for Sale at WCM in 2025
Worldwide Construction Machinery (WCM) in Perth carries some of the best telehandlers in 2025. Whether you need a small, agile model or a heavy lifter, WCM has you covered.
Here are four top picks:
Telehandler Model | Weight | Lift Capacity (Forks/Bucket) | Lift Height / Dump Height | Top Speed | Key Features |
2.8 ton | 1.0 ton / 0.52 ton | 3.2 m lift height | 22km/h | Compact size, AC cab, LED lights, reverse camera, quick-hitch, ideal for light tasks | |
7.5 ton | 1.5 ton / 2.5 ton | 4.5 m dump height | 22 km/h | Single-lever joystick, 3rd-function hydraulics, optional hay or 4-in-1 bucket | |
8.6 ton | 3.0 ton / 1.4 ton | 5.3 m lift / 4.7 m dump | 37 km/h | Lift-limit monitor, heavy-duty tires, joystick control, hydraulic quick hitch | |
8.5 ton | 4.0 ton | 7.05 m lift height | 25 km/h | 4WD, 4WS, hydrostatic drive, ROPS/FOPS cab, LED lighting, auto-lift limit |
Looking to buy a reliable telehandler in Perth or WA?
Find Reliable & High-Performance Telehandlers at Worldwide Construction Machinery
With over 40 years of industry experience and local Western Australian expertise, WCM is your go-to partner for quality equipment and service. We stock a wide range of new and used telehandlers, plus other agricultural machinery for sale, including loaders, excavators, forklifts, tractors with complete servicing support.
So, here, you’ll find the right fit for any budget. Our friendly team provides expert advice, custom financing options, and dedicated after-sales support.
Contact WCM today and conquer those heavy lifts and tight spaces.