Telehandlers, short for ‘telescopic handlers’, are machines that serve multiple purposes and are known for their capacity to lift, move, and put a wide variety of objects and items – for example, bricks, gravel, and lumber to name a few.
A telehandler can be outfitted with a number of different attachments that expand its capabilities. These multifunctional machines are regarded as the Blackhorse of the construction world since they are typically the first ones to arrive on the job and the last ones to go. This is due to the fact that they can cover a wide variety of tasks.
Telescopic handlers are designed for moving around materials. By adding more attachments, these versatile tools can be used to do a wide range of tasks on the job site. It’s important to know how telehandlers work and what they can be used for so you can give the best results possible—based on the requirements.
How can a telehandler help your business?
There is a wealth of resources available now to meet your varied job requirements. We are continually on the lookout for less expensive yet more viable options that not only boost productivity but are also flexible enough to be used in a variety of settings. Due to the same advantages provided by telescopic handlers, we recommend that be updated by enrolling in our special telehandler operator training course in New Zealand.
The following are some common factors why a business should invest in telehandler operator training asap.
Affordability
Only by using a limited number of attachments, a telehandler can perform a wide variety of jobs. So, the more your employees knew about its usage, the better for your business.
Convenience
Saving time is the key. Telehandlers, with their useful techniques of moving items, can help save a lot of your time, fuel and money.
Handy for out-of-reach places
When it comes to placing goods or items in unreachable areas inside your warehouse, telehandlers pass this test with flying colours. Telehandlers have amazing lift capacity, height & forward reach.
Sturdy and resilient
These vehicles are equipped with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, making them capable of traversing rough terrain and ascending steep inclines.
Pre-requisites needed
To have a valid driver’s license for the weight range of the Telehandler Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) driven, as well as a valid license endorsement for on-road use (i.e. an F or W Endorsement will be required dependent on the attachments used on the Telehandler).
- If the attachments are Hooks, Buckets, or Jibs, W Endorsement is required.
- If the attachments are forks or man-cages, an endorsement is required.
Licence requirement for driving a telehandler in NZ
Even though the most common attachment used in telescopic handlers is a fork, these machines have so many applications and attachments that they require their own specialized training. We recommend signing up for a telehandler operator training in New Zealand today if you want to learn how to use one.
A W endorsement’s dependent for operating a telehandler in New Zealand, though this does not appear to cover the telehandler’s extending boom and stabilizer legs or loading with forks. In comparison to a loader or forklift, a telehandler has a distinct stability triangle and tipping points. It’s important to know that there are several types of telehandlers, each with different licensing requirements depending on the attachment installed.
For telehandlers with forks, buckets, hooks, jibs, or man-cages, we recommend that the operator has completed the following training:
1) Telehandler with Fixed Boom
- A valid driver’s licence (With the correct licence class for the weight of the telehandler).
- W Endorsement (Special-type vehicle that runs on wheels).
- NZQA Unit Standard 23637 – Operate a Telehandler (General use of a telehandler).
- NZQA Unit Standard 17695 – Use a mobile plant to attach, lift, move, and put loads (Lifting & loading with forks or Bucket).
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of safely slinging routine weights in accordance with NZQA Unit Standard 30072. (Lifting with hooks or jib).
2) Telehandler with Rotating Boom (360-degree slew)
- A valid driver’s licence (With the correct licence class for the weight of the telehandler)
- W Endorsement (Special-type vehicle that runs on wheels)
- NZQA Unit Standard 23637 – Operate a Telehandler (General use of a telehandler)
- NZQA Unit Standard 17695 – Use a mobile plant to attach, lift, move, and put loads (Lifting & loading with forks or Bucket).
- NZQA Unit Standard 30072 – Demonstrate and apply knowledge of safely slinging routine weights in accordance with NZQA Unit Standard 30072. (Lifting with hooks or jib).
- NZQA Unit Standard 3789 – Sling a variety of consistent loads and safely operate a crane- (Using a crane with a winch)
- Training for Crane Operators (Because of the rotating boom of the telehandler, it is classed as a crane when fitted with a hook, jib or winch, and the operator is recommended to have the correct training or licence ACOP for cranes).
3) Telehandler with Man-Cage Fixed or Rotating Boom
- A valid driver’s licence (With the correct licence class for the weight of the telehandler)
- W Endorsement (Special-type vehicle that runs on wheels)
- Operate a Telehandler, NZQA Unit Standard 23637 (General use of a telehandler)
- NZQA Unit Standard 17695: Use mobile plant to attach, lift, move, and put loads (Lifting & loading with forks or Bucket)
- Demonstrate knowledge of slinging, lifting, transporting, and positioning loads with a mobile plant in accordance with NZQA Unit Standard 20875. (Lifting with hooks or jib)
- EWP Training (The machine must comply with AS/NZS 1418 Part 10 2011/AS2550.10 when used as a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP), and the operator needs EWP training).
ROADTRAIN’s Telehandler operator training programme
The goal of this training programme is to create telehandler operators who have the knowledge, abilities, and characteristics required to safely operate telehandlers. The trainees will also be able to demonstrate proper telehandler operator duties, with a focus on accident prevention and operator accountability.
Course Material
- Control measures for potential hazards as per organizational needs.
- Inspection of a telehandler and its attachments, before use.
- How to operate a telehandler.
- Necessary post-operational procedures.
Refresher program
It is essential that training be updated on a regular basis in order to keep up with current trends and maintain adequate levels of expertise. This could be different for you depending on the field that you work in.
We hope that this blog post gives you some clarity as to what are the qualifications for operating telehandlers in New Zealand. If you have more questions, feel free to get in touch with us today!