Find New & Used Telehandlers for Sale

February 14, 2023 - Last modified: February 13, 2023 @ 4:56 pm

When looking for telehandlers for sale, there are multiple factors to consider. Purchasing new means looking for equipment that meets the specific needs of your intended use, while if you decide to scout used telehandlers as well, you have additional elements to consider. Before shopping for a telehandler, review the types and their uses and take into account the things you should look for when inspecting used equipment.

Telehandlers for Sale: What You Need To Know

The first step in purchasing a telehandler is to know precisely how you intend to use it. What is your industry? What are your operation's size and your facility's space allowance? More importantly, is a telehandler the correct type of forklift for your needs?

What Is a Telehandler?

Telehandlers go by many names, including a teleporter, a boom lift, or a telescopic handler. Companies use them to move cargo from places a traditional forklift could not reach. This machine operates with hydraulics using a long boom, which resembles a crane. Attachments at the end of the boom allow you to move different types of cargo, such as pallets and barrels.

A telehandler is essentially a hybrid of a crane and a forklift. It allows you to move excessively heavier loads than a forklift with more precision and maneuverability. Because it does the work of multiple types of equipment, it is an excellent investment as long as the specs meet your needs.

What Are the Specs of a Telehandler?

When searching for telehandlers for sale, you will come across various brands and models with different specifications. However, in general, all specs are some variation of load capacity and lift height. These two elements are essential to understand when trying to find the right telehandler for your company.

Load Capacity

If you are familiar with the center of gravity concept and how it affects stability, you will understand a telehandler's load capacity. How much weight the equipment can manage depends on the position of its load center, which is simply the distance between the attachment at the end of the crane and the machine's gravity center. As that distance increases, the load capacity decreases.

Before you shop the market for new or used telehandlers for sale, you want to know the weight range of loads in your line of work or at your specific operation. The capacity varies depending on the manufacturer, but you will find models that can carry as much as 14,000 pounds.

Lift Height

The crane-like structure, called the boom arm, is extendable and stretches at an angle. Typically, the angle is around 70 degrees, which shortens the extension slightly. It would have more reach at 90 degrees, but that could compromise the machine's stability. If lift height is a top priority for you, many models can reach as high as 56 feet, and even on the low end, most telehandlers can reach up to 30 feet.

What Industries Use Telehandlers?

Telehandlers are almost always used in an outdoor setting. They are heavily prevalent in the agriculture and construction industries because of their reach and load capacity. Additionally, telehandlers can have varying attachments, making them more versatile. For example, construction workers can use them to lift concrete blocks or industrial pipes, while farmers can use a fork attachment to stack large bales of hay.

While traditional forklifts are more common in the industrial sector, where equipment carries pallets and containers from one area to another, telehandlers still have specialized use in industry. For example, operators can use them to shift stacked heavy loads much more efficiently. Business owners typically shop for used telehandlers when the intended use is to supplement other lifting equipment.

Types of Telehandlers for Sale

There are multiple ways to categorize telehandlers. However, the most efficient way to understand them is by their movement capabilities, and there are two types:

  1. Rotating telehandlers have a body, meaning the wheels and structure that hold the cab in place, that remains stationary while the cab and boom arm can turn 360 degrees. These have the most maneuverability and are great for shifting heavy cargo from one high point to another.
  2. Fixed telehandlers do not have cab and boom rotating capabilities. However, they come in wide varieties of reach and load capacity and range in size from super-compact to high-load models.

You can also find telehandlers with varying specialized capabilities within these broad categories. For example, compact fixed equipment is beneficial on a construction site with limited space, and you can change the boom arm attachments to better suit the type of work you need the machinery to do.

Advantages of Using a Telehandler

Anyone looking for forklifts and telehandlers for sale should consider the benefits of purchasing new or used telehandlers over traditional forklifts:

  • Heavy load capacity: Telehandlers are significantly stronger than forklifts and cherry pickers. As a result, they can carry much heavier loads, and their telescopic booms allow for more flexibility than the mast of a forklift.
  • On and off-road capability: Telehandlers have four-wheel drive capability. Some even have a rough-terrain design, making them perfect for agricultural and construction use.
  • Versatility: The variety of boom arm attachments makes the telehandler much more versatile than other heavy-lifting machinery.
  • Extended reach and flexibility: Telehandlers have much higher reach than standard forklifts. For example, a forklift mast can only move in one direction, and the higher the mast goes, the lighter the load's weight needs to be for safe movement. A telehandler's boom can reach higher with heavier loads, and some models can shift the angle and position of the load while lifting.

While it has many advantages over the forklift, a telehandler is not always the best option for every business. For example, if you need cargo-lifting equipment for a warehouse setting, you would likely prefer a forklift over a telehandler. On the other hand, if you have indoor and outdoor loading needs, you could potentially use both.

New vs. Used Telehandlers for Sale

Unless you have an unlimited budget, you may consider shopping for a used telehandler over a new one. However, there are advantages to buying new equipment. You get shiny new machine in perfect condition, and a dealer is generally more inclined to help if a problem arises because they have a reputation to protect. Additionally, you can typically access a warranty when you purchase new machinery.

Other reasons you may want to buy a new telehandler include the following:

  • The equipment will undergo everyday use, so you need something with maximum reliability and a warranty.
  • New equipment is a higher tax write-off.
  • You have a more extensive operation and want the new equipment to match the other equipment in your fleet.
  • You need specialized accessories that you cannot find in a used telehandler.
  • You need equipment to reach a specific height beyond the reach of the most common telehandlers on the used market.

Anytime you have exact specifications, you may struggle to find fitting used telehandlers. However, if you intend to use the machine less often and for more general projects, you can save a substantial amount of money by shopping for used equipment. To protect yourself from a poor purchase, know what to look for in pre-used machinery.

What Should You Look For in a Used Telehandler?

Purchasing used equipment requires vetting and additional considerations. First, you need to know exactly what to look for and check the specs to ensure everything meets to specific needs of your project. These tips will guide you to the right equipment and ensure you have everything you need:

  • Evaluate your operational needs. What are the project requirements? How will you use the machine throughout the project from start to finish? Do you need a telehandler for long or short-term usage? 
  • Consider the attachment you need. Does the equipment come with the proper attachment for your intended use? Do you already own attachments, and is the telehandler you chose compatible with your attachment? Are other attachments for this telehandler still available and affordable?
  • Know the boom design that best meets your needs. Do you need a lower profile boom for a project requirement ground engagement? Will you use the machine for tasks at greater heights and, therefore, need a higher boom profile?

Once you thoroughly understand the type of telehandler you need, you can narrow down your search and start inspecting the telehandlers for sale that would work for your project.

Inspection Tips When Evaluating a Used Telehandler

Proper inspection is a crucial step in purchasing used telehandlers. Unfortunately, an individual seller is unlikely to help with issues after purchasing, so you want to ensure everything is in working order before you come into possession of the equipment. These four simple tips can protect you from faulty equipment and dishonest sales.

1. Check the Maintenance Records

Ask the owner for a company of the machine's maintenance records. These provide a wealth of information about any significant repairs and the type of treatment the telehander received. For example, note the time between maintenance services and whether the owner routinely performed repairs and general maintenance. Compare the records to the owner's manual to ensure the seller conducted recommended maintenance and followed the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

2. Look Over the Mechanical Systems

Mechanical repairs are among the most costly. Therefore, you want to inspect the mechanical systems for any potential issues before buying. Some elements to review include:

  • Ensure the braking and steering systems function properly by checking for responsiveness.
  • Check the engine for leaks, which can indicate improper maintenance after extended use.
  • Inspect all systems for fluid replacements, including engine, steering, and braking. Low or dirty fluids could also signal improper maintenance.
  • Ensure the hour meter works and has a proper seal. You can typically spot tampering reasonably quickly.
  • Inspect the hydraulics system for fluid leaks and hose connections.

Once you know the internal systems are in good working order, you can check out the exterior.

3. Inspect the Exterior

Taking a quick overall view of used telehandlers can be informative. For example, how clean is the machine? Can you see any punctures or worn tread on the tires? Do the glass and plastic partitions have cracks that could obstruct your view?

How clean or dirty the machine is can speak to how well the owner cared for it. Do you see dents, cracks, or damage to any panels, especially near the engine? In general, a well-kept exterior will likely indicate a well-kept interior.

4. Inspect the Structural Systems

When evaluating telehandlers for sale, checking the structural systems is crucial. Vital questions to ask include:

  • Do the boom and mast perform as they should? Any damage to the structure could cause functional issues.
  • Are the attachments compatible with the machine? Ill-fitting attachments can cause premature wear and tear and compromise the machine operator's safety. 
  • Did the boom or mast undergo any repairs? This should be part of the maintenance records. However, never trust the records alone. Always double-check the structure itself as well for apparent signs of repair.
  • How does the cab look? Give the machine a test run so you can inspect the cab and ensure it operates smoothly. Cuts, stains, or any damage to the leather could indicate further problems.

If you have concerns about your ability to adequately judge the machine's condition and capability, have an expert come with you to conduct the inspection.

How To Find Telehandlers for Sale That Meet Your Needs

Asking the questions mentioned above ensures you have the equipment needed to progress your project without interruption. Additionally, a well-informed purchase can mean the difference between buying equipment that advances your financial goals and one that derails your plans and causes costly problems. Therefore, the first step in your journey to finding the perfect telehandler is to know what precisely what you need and how to spot issues in used machinery.

Find new and used telehandlers for sale with Forklift Inventory and avoid wading through multiple websites to find the perfect telehandler.

Find New & Used Telehandlers For Sale

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*Savings claims are based on used forklift prices when compared to new inventory prices. Savings is not guaranteed and is subject to change.
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