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Ever wished your forklift could reach a few storeys higher? That’s where the telehandler comes in! It’s a bit like a cross between a forklift and a boom lift, offering both height range and lifting strength.
With the right attachments, a telehandler can do it all. Hoist heavy pallets off a truck, move them across site, and lift them multiple storeys high, all with one handy machine.
Keen to know more? Here’s the run-down on what makes telehandlers so versatile, and where they perform best on site.
A telehandler (short for telescopic handler) is a type of material handling equipment designed to lift, move, and place heavy loads. It offers the upward reach of a crane or boom lift and the lifting capacity and manoeuvrability of a forklift. Its main feature is a telescopic boom that extends vertically and forward, allowing operators to position materials on upper levels and around obstacles.
Telehandlers are designed to adapt quickly to different tasks. Fitted with a quick-hitch system, they can switch between forks, buckets, work platforms, and other attachments.
Telehandlers are designed with a set of core components that give them their unique mix of lifting power, reach, and versatility.
You can fit telehandlers with a range of attachments, allowing one machine to perform multiple tasks on site. Swapping between attachments is fast thanks to the quick-hitch system.
While all telehandlers share the same basic design, their size, boom length, and lifting capacity vary depending on the application.
| Type | Max lift capacity | Max boom reach | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | up to 2,500 kg | 6m | Tight sites, landscaping, light construction |
| Standard | 2,500–4,000 kg | 10-14m | General construction, material placement |
| Heavy-duty | 4,000 kg+ | 14-17m | Multi-storey builds, high-reach applications |
For a closer look at our telehandler fleet, including detailed specifications, view our full range.
While telehandlers and forklifts both move and lift materials, they’re built for very different types of work. Forklifts excel in flat, controlled environments like warehouses and loading bays, while telehandlers are designed for reach and performance on uneven terrain.
The main differences come down to boom design, lifting height, attachments, and terrain capability. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Telehandler | Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Telescopic boom extends upwards and forwards, typically up to 17m | Vertical lift only, usually up to 5m |
| Lifting power | Handles heavy loads at height or distance, using stabilisers for support | Strong lifting at ground level or moderate heights |
| Attachments | Quick-hitch allows forks, buckets, platforms, winches and more | Generally limited to forks, with fewer attachment options |
| Terrain | 4WD, all-terrain tyres built for uneven or rough sites | Best suited to flat, smooth surfaces like warehouses or yards |
Telehandlers are built to handle a wide range of lifting and access jobs across different industries. Their combination of lifting power, boom reach, and quick-swap attachments makes them suitable for everything from urban construction sites to remote industrial operations.
Here’s how their features and sizes come into play across common applications:
On construction sites, telehandlers are often relied on to lift palletised materials to upper floors and position structural elements like beams and trusses. Long-reach models are also used to feed materials into work zones from the ground, removing the need for smaller cranes on multi-storey projects.
On farms, telehandlers make light work of moving and stacking hay bales, as well as loading grain into silos or storage facilities. Their compact size and 4WD capability let operators move easily through sheds and paddocks, handling jobs that would otherwise require multiple machines.
In manufacturing and logistics environments, telehandlers are used to unload delivery trucks and position stock on high racks. They’re particularly useful for handling oversized or heavy items that need to be stored or accessed at height.
In remote or rugged locations, heavy-duty telehandlers are essential for transporting equipment across uneven ground and placing materials in hard-to-reach areas. Their versatility allows crews to support infrastructure and maintenance work without relying on cranes or specialist lifting gear.
Operating a telehandler in Australia requires the right training and certification, which depends on the type of machine and how it’s being used.
Most operators need a Telehandler Gold Card. It covers the safe use of telehandlers and attachments and ensures operators meet industry standards.
We offer training for your Telehandler Gold Card here at All Star. Click to find out more.
If the telehandler is being used with a boom length over 11 metres or in a crane-like capacity (e.g. lifting suspended loads), operators also need a High Risk Work Licence (CN).
What is a telehandler called in Australia?
Telehandlers are also known as telescopic handlers or telehandler forklifts, depending on the application.
Is a telehandler considered a crane?
Not exactly. Telehandlers have crane-like reach, but they’re classified differently. When used with a boom length over 11 m or lifting suspended loads, you need a High Risk Work Licence (CN).
Do I need a licence to operate a telehandler?
Yes. Most operators need a Telehandler Gold Card, and in some cases a High Risk Work Licence (CN), depending on boom length and use.
What attachments can you use with a telehandler?
Common attachments include forks, buckets, work platforms, and winches. These allow one machine to handle multiple jobs on site.
Whether you’re working on a multi-storey build, managing a warehouse, or operating in rugged terrain, we’ve got the right machine for the job.
Explore our full telehandler range, or give us a call to book a site assessment. Our team can give you tailored advice to help you choose the best fit for your project.