Telescopic handlers are a bit similar to forklifts. It possesses one telescopic boom that extends both upwards and forwards from the truck, and a counterweight in the rear. It works much more like a crane than a forklift. The boom can be equipped with different kinds of attachments. The most popular attachment is pallet forks, but the operator could also attach a muck grab, lift table or bucket. Also known as a telehandler, this kind of equipment is normally utilized in industry and agriculture.
A telehandler is commonly utilized to move loads to and from places that will be difficult for a conventional forklift to access. Telehandlers are usually used to unload pallets from in a trailer. They are also more practical compared to a crane for carrying loads onto other high places and rooftops.
There is just one major limitation in using telehandlers. Even with rear counterweights, the weight-bearing boom could cause the vehicle to destabilize while it extends. Therefore, the lifting capacity decreases when the distance between the center of the load and the front of the wheels increases.
The Matbro company developed telehandlers within England. Their design was based on articulated cross country forklifts used in forestry. Initial versions consisted of a centrally mounted boom on the front and a driver's cab on the rear section, but these days the most popular design has a strong chassis together with a side cab and rear mounted boom.