Dali Ribeiro
Director of Product Management
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JLG Industries
As job sites become more congested and equipment and labor shortages continue to impact project schedules, rotating telehandlers have become a rising trend.
These machines can offer solutions for multiple machines while remaining stationary on the job site. For example, with the use of different attachments, JLG® rotating telehandlers can perform the work of three different machines — a standard telehandler, a mobile elevating work platform or a rough-terrain crane.
But rotating telehandlers are still a relatively new concept in North America, even to those who regularly use telehandlers. So, one of the biggest challenges facing this sector is making people aware of how these machines' features and benefits can help them get work done more efficiently.
Let’s take a closer look at these unique 3-in-1 machines…
What is the market like for rotating telehandlers, and what’s coming “next” in this sector?
Demand for rotating telehandlers in North America is increasing as worksite space decreases. Whether operators need to lift and place, work at height or move suspended loads, rotating telehandlers allow them to better maneuver in confined areas, completely transforming the way crews work.
Because North American job sites are just starting to become familiar with rotating telehandlers, it’s very early in their adoption to predict what’s “next” for this sector. However, we continue to research and develop product advancements to respond to customer feedback.
Why would someone choose a rotating telehandler over a mobile crane?
Rotating telehandlers can reduce a user’s costs of operations, making them a more affordable and attractive solution.
And, rotating telehandlers come at a much lower acquisition cost for the equipment owners compared to the cost of mobile cranes — this makes these machines available at an attractive, affordable price point for companies looking to add these machines to their fleet.
What are three tips for people to consider when purchasing a rotating telehandler?
When considering the purchase of a rotating telehandler, it is important to keep these three things in mind: 1) How these machines will be used, 2) What lift capacities these machines can achieve and 3) What attachments increase the machines’ utilization.
1) Applications — While all telehandlers are versatile, rotating telehandlers can significantly increase productivity and reduce the time it takes to pick-and-place loads. With a rotating telehandler, the machine generally remains stationary, and the operator simply rotates the upper frame to pick-and-place materials.
2) Lift capacities — Along with their rotational capabilities, rotating telehandlers generally provide very high lift height, with most models able to work at heights well above 60 ft. JLG will have three models in our initial rotating telehandler offering, the R11100 has a maximum reach height of 97 ft, while the R1385 can reach 84.5 ft and the R1370 can reach 67 ft.
3) Attachments — JLG rotating telehandlers come standard with a mechanical coupler and auxiliary electrics and hydraulics, while a hydraulic coupler and dual auxiliary hydraulics are available as an option. JLG currently offers 13 different attachments for the rotating telehandlers in our product portfolio.
What other benefits do JLG models have over competitive units?
In addition to all the features common to rotating telehandlers, the standard configuration for JLG rotating telehandlers offers unique options developed with our North American customer in mind, like a 3-in retractable seat belt, foam-filled tires and an additional heater unit in the cab.
Beyond our distinctive product portfolio, our customers can trust that our JLG team takes their uptime seriously. When it comes to our new line of rotating telehandlers, we are committed to providing the same aftermarket parts and service support that customers have trusted over the years. We help our customers to avoid delays by giving them the best availability of replacement parts, with responsive customer service and prompt delivery.
Interested in learning more about JLG’s line of rotating telehandlers? For more information, click here.
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