Telehandlers are among the most popular construction machinery used globally. They are popular in construction, infrastructure, warehousing & various other key sectors, making them highly popular in the used market. When scrolling through equipment listings, you find various orange & yellow machines, all claiming to be “Site Ready”, yet the price & specs vary with each model.

Believe us, this is a common frustration for buyers stuck performing a used telehandler models comparison. A small difference in lift height, lifting weight, or even hydraulic flow can create huge differences & determine your machine’s productivity or downtime. Understanding the types of telehandlers is essential if you want to avoid costly mistakes & downtime.Whether you are placing heavy loads across different building stories or picking heavy construction aggregates, knowing the types of telehandlers and their importance will always help you buy the right machine. JKIPL is India’s leading buyer and seller of used heavy machinery, offering various 4×4 telehandler for rough terrain & other challenging applications.

Types Of Telehandlers In India

Telehandlers are among the most versatile machinery for any job site. Their ability to efficiently lift, load, extend & precisely place heavy material at heights makes them more preferable than a crane or a forklift. Additionally, when fitted with telehandler attachments (forks, winch, bucket), and the variety of telehandler boom types (fixed vs rotating), their versatility increases.

Here are the main types of telehandlers found in India:

  • Standard Telehandlers: The most common type of telescopic handler found in the market. This type balances between decent reach and lifting capacity for light-duty needs and construction requirements.
  • Compact Telehandlers: Designed to leave a smaller footprint, compact telehandlers are perfect for residential projects & urban applications, which generally consist of tight spaces and warehouses where larger equipment cannot fit.
  • High-Lift Telehandlers: Among the most capable machines in used telehandler models comparison, high-lift telehandlers focus primarily on offering high telehandler lifting capacity versus reach.
  • Rotating Telehandlers: Telehandler boom types (fixed vs rotating) offer practical differences. Unlike a fixed boom telehandler, a telehandler with a rotating boom features a rotating upper structure, enabling an operator to work without moving the chassis.
  • Heavy-duty Telehandlers: When considering telehandler lifting capacity vs reach, HD telehandlers are often considered for their superior reach, lifting capacity & engine performance; ideal for mining & placing heavy loads.

Key Differentiation Factors While Choosing Used Telehandler Models

1. Lift Capacity & Reach: The most important attribute of a telehandler. The telehandler lift capacity vs reach determines how easily the machine can handle loads at various heights.

  • Compact/Light-Duty: Up to 4-5 tons & 13-metre reach.
    Best For: Tight spaces, light applications & urban works.
  • Medium/Standard: 5-10 tons & 15-16-metre reach
    Best For: Versatility, higher productivity & general applications.
  • Heavy-Duty/High Capacity: 6-12+ tons & approx 10-17-metre height
    Best For: Challenging jobs, large construction projects, industrial work & mining.

2. Engine Power & Efficiency

New telehandlers often come with modern engines offering better efficiency, but older models are generally easier to maintain. Between diesel vs electric telehandler used, diesel engines offer better durability, while electric powertrains offer lower running costs & emissions.

  • Compact/Light-Duty: 74-80 hp; 250-260 Nm of torque
  • Medium/Standard: 74-123 hp; 400-500 Nm of torque
  • Heavy-Duty/High Capacity: 115-175 hp; 550-600+ Nm of torque

3. Attachments & Hydraulic Setup

The real value of a telescopic handler comes from telehandler attachments (forks, winch, bucket) & hydraulic flow. A higher flow enables faster attachment response, which is important for jobs that require precision, high lifting capacity, or continuous operation. Before purchasing, evaluate the compatible attachment condition & hydraulic lines & response to ensure it’s a good purchase.

4. Cab Comfort & Controls

While often overlooked during used telehandler models comparison, comfort matters for operators. Newer models have a more ergonomic cab layout, while older ones are simpler. A modern layout offers a smoother joystick, intuitive controls, modern features & improved operator safety, all essential during daily operations.

Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Used Telehandler

  • Refer to the telehandler maintenance & hours logs to verify total working hours.
  • Inspect the boom for cracks & weld repairs.
  • Check the hydraulic lines for leaks & incorrect pressure.
  • Check telehandler boom types (fixed & rotating) for stability & motion functions.
  • Assess the tires & drivetrain, especially in a 4×4 telehandler for rough terrain.
  • Closely inspect service records & major replacements.
  • Check if all electricals & sensors are working properly.
  • Closely inspect telehandler attachments (fork, winch, bucket) before buying.
  • Compare diesel vs electric telehandler used options for running costs.

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