09 · Heavy Equipment

Telescopic Handler

Also called Telehandler · Loadall · JCB Loadall · Reach forklift

A forklift and crane in one: a telescopic boom that lifts loads up and out to rooftops and upper floors.

Diesel machine

Sizes & models we rent

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36 ft, 6,000 lb42 ft, 6,000 lb55 ft, 10,000 lb56 ft, 12,000 lbHeaviest lift65 ft, 8,800 lbHighest reach

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Telescopic Handler · 56 ft, 12,000 lb

Heaviest lift

View the 56 ft, 12,000 lb in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A telehandler is a lifting machine with a telescopic boom, so it does two jobs at once. Forks on the end make it a forklift; the boom's reach makes it closer to a crane. It puts a load up and out — onto a rooftop or an upper floor — rather than only raising it where it stands.

We rent five: 36 ft and 42 ft, both 6,000 lb; 55 ft at 10,000 lb; 56 ft at 12,000 lb, the heaviest lift we have; and 65 ft at 8,800 lb, the highest reach.

Lifting and transporting loads, loading and unloading trucks, moving materials to and from rooftops, and reaching places a forklift simply cannot get to.

The capacity on the label is not the capacity at reach. It drops as the boom extends and rises, so a machine rated at 10,000 lb may lift a fraction of that at full extension. Read the load chart for the height and distance the job actually needs. Travel with the boom retracted and the load low, and level the frame before lifting.

Catalogue specifications · 56 ft, 12,000 lb

  • Overall Height 8ft 10 in (2692 mm)
  • Overall Width 8ft 1in (2471mm)
  • Inside Width of Cab 3ft 1 in (940 mm)
  • Front Track 6ft 7in (2008 mm)
  • Wheelbase 10ft 4in (3150 mm)
  • Overall Length to Front Tires 17ft 9in (5406 mm)
  • Overall Length to Front of Carriage 21ft 7in (6579 mm)
  • Ground Clearance1ft 5 in (444 mm)
  • Outside Turn Radius (over tires) 14ft 1in (4293 mm)
  • Tires 17.5-25
  • Weight (unladen) 30,635 lbs (13,900 kg)
  • Maximum Capacity 12,000 lbs (5444 kg)
  • Lift Capacity to 52 ft (on tires): 4000lbs (1814 kg)
  • Lift Capacity to Full Height (on stabilizers) 5000 lbs (2268 kg)
  • Lift Capacity at 38 ft Reach (on tires) 300 lb (136 kg)
  • Lift Capacity at Full Reach (on stabilizers) 3500 lb (1588 kg)
  • Lift Height 56 ft (17.07 m)
  • Reach at Maximum Lift Height 8ft 2 in (2.49m)
  • Maximum Forward Reach 42 ft (12.80m)
  • Frame Sway Left or Right degrees 10
  • ENGINE
  • Manufacturer: JCB

Best uses

  • Lifting and transporting loads
  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Moving loads to and from rooftops
  • Getting materials to less accessible areas

Troubleshooting

Boom stops extending or raising, with a warning

Checks to try, in order

  1. The load moment indicator has stopped the lift — the load is too heavy at that reach.
  2. Retract or lower the boom to bring the load back into the safe zone.
  3. Re-check the load weight against the load chart.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Won't drive

Checks to try, in order

  1. Release the parking brake.
  2. Put the direction lever in neutral, then select a direction again.
  3. Make sure you're seated — the seat switch cuts drive.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Nothing happens when the key is turnedShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Isolator off
  • Seat / seat-belt / lap-bar interlock
  • Controls not in neutral
  • Flat battery

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the battery isolator / master switch is ON.
  2. Sit in the seat, fasten the seat belt and lower the safety bar — interlocks prevent starting otherwise.
  3. Put the controls in neutral and the hydraulic lockout lever in the locked position.
  4. Check the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion.

If the battery is flat, don't jump-start it unless you've been trained to — call the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Cranks but won't startShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Out of fuel / air in fuel
  • Glow plugs not preheated
  • E-stop engaged

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the fuel gauge. Diesel engines that run dry often need the fuel system bled before they'll start.
  2. Turn the key to the preheat position and wait for the glow-plug light to go out before cranking.
  3. Check the emergency stop button isn't pressed in.
  4. Crank for no more than 10–15 seconds at a time, then let the starter rest.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Arms, boom or tracks won't move or are slowShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Lockout lever engaged
  • Cold oil
  • Low hydraulic oil
  • Leak

Checks to try, in order

  1. Raise the hydraulic lockout / safety lever or disengage the control lock.
  2. Let the machine warm up for a few minutes before working it hard.
  3. Check the hydraulic oil sight glass with the machine level and attachments lowered.
  4. Look for hydraulic oil leaks under the machine and at hose ends.

Never touch a pinhole hydraulic leak — high-pressure oil can inject through skin. Stop and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Warning light, alarm or overheatingShared · Diesel machine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop work, lower attachments to the ground and let the engine idle — don't shut a hot engine off abruptly unless told to by the alarm.
  2. Check whether the radiator / cooler screen is blocked with dust, grass or debris.
  3. Only check coolant once the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.

Red warning lights mean stop. Note the code or symbol and call the workshop before continuing.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never lift people unless the machine is set up with an approved work platform.
  • Check for overhead lines before raising the boom.

For diesel machine

  • Only trained, authorised operators should drive or operate this machine.
  • Walk around the machine before starting: leaks, damage, tyres or tracks, and people nearby.
  • Wear the seat belt, use three points of contact getting on and off, and use a spotter in tight areas.
  • Check for overhead power lines and underground services before digging or lifting.

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