The Carriage
Similar to typical forklifts, the lifting attachment could be tilted from its horizontal position to forwards and backwards. The actual amount of tilt possible completely exceeds that of vertical mast forklifts. There is a huge range of lifting attachments available, and this ability to position makes them as efficient as possible.
Most telehandlers have the capability of tilting to a position that is actually parallel to the ground. Several units have rotating carriages as well. This allows the operator to adjust the lifting attachment radially. This translates to the load being able of being tilted forwards and backwards, as well as side to side.
Load Capacity
Figuring out the load capacity of a telehandler is a much different exercise than it is on a vertical mast unit. The capacity of the unit is entirely dependent on such things as: boom angle and extension, whether the unit is lifting on rubber tires or on outriggers, and the amount of boom transaction deployed, if this is applicable. Moreover, which lifting attachment plays an main part, as does the wind, the grade the machinery is operating on and so on. All of these specifics could be changing on a constant basis and this gives the operator much more information to take into account.
Telehandlers will usually have several different load charts available to them, giving them a good reference they could utilize to determine a particular lift's load capacity. Depending upon the unit in particular and the boom's configuration, the load capacity may differ by thousands of pounds all together.