Telehandler vs. Forklift: Which Is Best for Heavy Lifting?

[marcusPama]

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between a telehandler and a forklift for heavy lifting on my job sites. I know telehandlers offer more reach and versatility, while forklifts are great for maneuverability and warehouse use, but which one is the better investment for construction and outdoor applications? What are the key differences in lifting capacity, terrain handling, and overall efficiency? If you’ve used both, which one has worked best for your needs, and why? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[Eliezer Bodegas]

Good question! I’ve used both, and it really comes down to the kind of work you’re doing. If you're on uneven ground or need to lift materials up and over stuff (like into a second story or over a trench), a telehandler’s your best friend. Way more reach and better for rough terrain. But if you’re mostly moving pallets or materials around a tighter site or flat surface, a forklift is faster and easier to maneuver. Honestly, if your jobs are mostly outdoors with varied terrain, I’d lean telehandler all day. Anyone else running both on the same site? Curious how folks balance the two.