Your Boom Forklift FAQs — Answered

Boom forklifts are the best way to move material in tight spaces.

• Need to lift material both vertically and horizontally?
• Want to pick up an object that’s behind something else?
• You need a boom forklift (also known as a telehandler)

Telehandler Forklifts 

Boom forklifts, commonly known as telehandlers or telehandler forklifts, are a cross between a rough terrain forklift and a crane. Unlike the average forklift, which can only lift loads about 12 feet off the ground, telehandlers can move materials up to 55 feet high and across distances up to 41 ft.

The nickname “boom forklift” comes from the telescopic boom attached to the truck. But telehandlers can move much more than palletized material. When equipped with the correct attachment, they can transport tools, timber, personnel and much more.

The list of telehandler attachments below should give you an idea of how versatile these machines are:

• Crane Jib
• Lumber Forks
• Pallet Forks
• Personnel Platform
• Trash hopper
• Snowplow

Telehandlers are primarily used at construction sites. Here in the Mid-South, folks also use them in agriculture/farming, mining, lumber and steel/foundry operations. 

We have a customer in Mobile, AL that uses their telehandler to pick up wire coils. The customer has coils stacked one in front of the other and the telehandler allows them to pick up one coil from the back instead of moving the whole row.

Is a boom lift the same as a telehandler?

No. The term “boom lift” refers to equipment designed to move personnel only. A boom lift is also called a man lift or bucket truck. A boom forklift, on the other hand, can move either materials or personnel depending on the attachment.

Another distinction: boom lifts can be controlled from inside the basket. A boom forklift can only be controlled by someone inside the cab.

Boom Forklifts for Sale and Rental

Here’s an overview of the telehandler forklifts we rent and offer for sale:

COMPACT

Max Capacity: 2200–4400 lbs.
Max lift height: 14’
Max reach: 8’6”’– 9’ 

Standard

Max Capacity: 6000–8000 lbs.
Max Lift Height: 34–44’ 
Max Reach: 23’– 30' 5”’ 

LARGE Telehandlers

Max Capacity: 8818–12,000 lbs.
Max Lift Height: 34–44’ 
Max Reach: 31’–42’ 11”

Your Telehandler Forklift Provider in the Mid-South

The Lilly Company is an authorized dealer for GEHL, Manitou and Skyjack telehandlers — serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. Our expert team can help you choose the best equipment for your operation and decide whether it’s better to buy versus rent a telehandler specific to each job.

We offer a variety of construction equipment, not just telehandlers. Whether you need to move earth, prep land, or carry large loads across rough terrain, we can help you save time and money.

Contact a friendly and knowledgeable equipment expert at The Lilly Company online, by phone 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926) or come say hello at one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South.

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

Related Reading:

GEHL Telehandlers
Manitou Telehandlers
Different Types of Skid Steers