Masonry Magazine March 2005 Page. 16
Telehandler Trends: More and Less
The telehandlers shown at World of Concrete/Masonry pointed out two divergent trends: they are getting larger, with higher capacity and longer reach, and they are getting smaller with a more compact frame.
By Tom Inglesby
How much telehandler does a mason contractor need?
"Just enough and maybe a little more," would probably be the answer.
According to Ky Kuehling, Vice President of Telehandlers at JLG Industries, McConnellsburg, Pa., "The larger 10,000-pound, 54-foot-plus telehandlers have been one of the industry's fastest growing segments. This is being driven by the need for additional reach and lift height as job sites get more congested and five- and six-story buildings become more common."
In addition, larger capacity is becoming a valuable asset when unloading trucks and handling large and awkward loads, such as stone. High-capacity machines have excellent maneuverability to minimize placement concerns, claims Kuehling.
On the other hand, he also sees the market accepting smaller machines. "The 'smaller footprint' units or compact machines are being recognized for their versatility on the job site. A machine that has limited lift, say 18 to 24 feet, still has a place in the fleet to work on smaller buildings and to work in low-overhead areas, such as parking structures or underground garages."
He adds, "These units many times serve as a complement to a larger unit to speed production by focusing their efforts in areas that the bigger machines don't easily fit."