Walking past construction sites, we can often see telescopic loaders. Considering their versatility and importance for supporting the implementation of tasks, entrepreneurs are increasingly convinced of their services. Telescopic loaders are used to lift and transport loads using forks. In the workplace, there are often situations where the lifting machines fail due to the inability to reach the final destination. The best solution for such problems will definitely be a telescopic loader with a boom. Another problem you may encounter in the workplace is uneven terrain. Here, too, a telescopic loader can do well, incl. because they have four-wheel drive.
The use of a telehandler does not only involve lifting loads. It also serves as a crane. Loads are lifted from above, not from below. Telescopic loaders are also used in industry, gardening, construction, municipal works and agriculture. Application example is loading manure on a spreader. In addition, telehandlers are suitable for tasks such as transporting steel structures, concrete elements, wood, stones or soil. Thanks to the use of working platforms, it is possible to quickly transform the loaders into lifts facilitating work at high heights.
It is possible to remotely control telescopic loaders using a radio remote control. Thanks to this solution, we are able to control the machine from outside the operator's cabin. In addition, telescopic loaders are equipped with the function of rotation around its own axis, which significantly improves their usability.
Categories of telescopic loaders
- Boom type,
- Chassis type,
- Chassis and boom type, incl. telescopic and wheel loaders
Wheel loaders are used in the construction industry. With their help, you can only make movements in one plane. The advantage of these machines is high maneuverability. They are used for earthworks - the spoil is loaded on the bucket, which is transported over a short distance. Much depends on the skill and efficiency of the operator, because the bucket can be filled with a limited volume of material. Telescopic loaders are characterized by a movable rear axle and a tilt of up to 30 degrees. Another advantage is the location of the loader on one side, which has a positive effect on visibility during work. Special qualifications are required to operate the telehandler.
Rotary telehandlers - are equipped with front supports and rear supports. This type of charger rotates. Swing loaders are used to perform tasks such as picking up various types of loads and delivering them to a specific location at height. They are most effective in construction, industry and tree felling. Machines of the telescopic type need a lot of space on the construction site. They can only drive to the loading area from the front. The operator's task is to position the machine to correct movement, hide the telescope, supports and move the loader allowing him to reach with the load. Telescopic loaders work well where work takes place in one place, e.g. in the construction of bridges. Thanks to the rotating telescope and the cabin, it allows you to correct the loading without moving the machine.
Telescopic loaders in agriculture
Due to their multi-tasking nature, the loaders can perform a large proportion of the tasks that are normally carried out with a tractor. Sometimes their use in some situations may give even better results than the use of other types of devices. Telescopic loaders are used to transport loose materials or elements such as flexible containers or pallets. All these works can also be performed with a tractor equipped with a front loader. Thanks to a rich set of control options, four-wheel drive and a telescopic arm, the telescopic loader will be perfect for various types of tasks.
The tractor, thanks to its engine power, remains unrivaled. However, the constructors of loaders more and more often implement solutions in the created devices that allow their results to be similar to those of tractors. Currently, some of the available models of loaders are adapted to perform a wide variety of tasks on the farm. In order to increase their usability, they are equipped with additional equipment incl. spoons, sheaf blades or forks. This makes it easier to transport straw, green fodder or blue.
The most popular accessories:
- Spoons,
- Fork,
- Grippers,
- Work platforms,
- Plows and mowers
UDT exam for telescopic loaders
Anyone who has completed the telescopic loader operator course can take the exam. On the other hand, the operator training may be enrolled by a person who is over 18 years old and has completed minimum basic education.
The UDT exam for telescopic loaders consists of theoretical and practical parts. During the theoretical part, the UDT commission verifies the theoretical knowledge of the student in the field of, inter alia,
- Nomenclature of cranes,
- Operator qualifications,
- Preoperative inspections,
- Procedures for creating documentation,
- Operator requirements and obligations,
- Methods and forms of communication,
- Marginalize the risk of accidents
Security:
When lifting a load, observe the following rules:
- Carefully lift the crane
- Hook the load to the base of the crane hook
- Provide sufficient stability when moving the load
- Check the load balance
When lowering the load:
- Transport should be smooth and vibration-free,
- Transport of cargo as close to the ground as possible (+ 50 cm),
- Always move calmly and increase speed gradually, only accelerate when you feel necessary.
- Lower the hook just enough to allow the handle to be loosened easily,
- Make sure that there is enough free space on the ground, etc.
- Provide wheel washers or locks to eliminate unwanted machine movement,
- Wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before lowering the load,
- After using the winch, raise the hook high enough, but not to the upper limit, safety,
- Keep the hook, clamp, chain and other devices in the designated place
Entitlements
A person who is going to take the exam in front of an external Examination Board (Office of Technical Inspection) must have knowledge of maneuvering the device while working in a safe way. One should not forget about the necessary knowledge about the types of loading, health and safety, as well as topics related to technical supervision.
The course ends with an exam. By passing the exam, we obtain the qualifications for telescopic loaders. Thanks to these rights, you can operate the telescopic handler in the country and abroad (e.g. EU countries). In addition, the operator can easily operate the telehandler if it is equipped with additional elements, e.g. crane slings, drilling slings or a basket.
Lifting people with a loader
Many people wonder if it is possible to lift people with a telescopic handler. In theory, it is mainly used for lifting loads, but in exceptional circumstances and provided appropriate means it can be used for lifting people. In order to ensure safety, additional precautions should be taken, e.g. using a cage mounted on the forks of a telescopic handler. It is strictly forbidden to lift people on the forks or a pallet lying on the forks.
