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What to Check Before Renting a Telehandler

TL;DR: Before renting a telehandler, confirm how high the load needs to go, how heavy it is, how far out it has to reach, what the ground is like, and which attachments the job needs. Capacity drops as the boom extends, so the maximum rating on a spec sheet is only part of the picture. The RocRents telehandler fleet includes the JCB 510-56, the JLG G12-55, and the Skytrak 8042, which cover a range of heights and loads.

How High Does the Load Need to Go?

Start with the highest point you need to reach, then choose a machine with some margin above it.

How Heavy Is the Load, and How Far Out Does It Have to Go?

A telehandler’s maximum capacity applies close to the machine. As the boom extends up or out, the capacity it can safely lift goes down. Check the load chart for the exact height and reach your job needs, not just the maximum rating.

  • JLG G12-55: 12,000 lbs maximum, 5,000 lbs at full height, 3,500 lbs at maximum reach, 42 ft maximum forward reach
  • Skytrak 8042: 8,000 lbs maximum, 6,000 lbs at full height, 2,200 lbs at maximum reach, about 26 ft 7 in maximum forward reach
  • JCB 510-56: 10,000 lbs maximum capacity. The RocRents team can share the load chart details for your job

What Are the Ground Conditions?

Soft, uneven, or sloped ground changes which machine is the right fit, and it affects how stable the telehandler is while lifting.

  • JLG G12-55: 10 degrees of frame leveling and stabilizers
  • JCB 510-56: wide-set stabilizers for a secure base during high lifts and on uneven ground
  • Skytrak 8042: 10 degrees of frame leveling, with no outriggers or stabilizers

Which Attachments Does the Job Need?

Decide what the machine will carry before it arrives. The JCB 510-56 comes with a 66 inch wide fork carriage, 48 inch or 60 inch forks, and a lifting hook. The JLG G12-55 offers a wide range of attachment options. If the job needs something specific, ask the RocRents team what is available for the machine you choose.

Is There Room to Maneuver on Site?

Tight sites and crowded laydown areas make turning radius worth checking. The Skytrak 8042 has an outside turning radius of 13 ft and the JLG G12-55 has an outside turning radius of 14 ft.

Who Will Operate It, and What Will the Cab Be Like?

The JLG G12-55, Skytrak 8042, and JCB 510-56 all come with an enclosed cab, and the G12-55 and Skytrak 8042 include heat and A/C. Telehandlers need trained operators, so confirm the requirements for your site before the machine arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the maximum capacity apply at full height and full reach?

No. Maximum capacity applies close to the machine. The JLG G12-55, for example, is rated at 12,000 lbs maximum but 3,500 lbs at maximum reach.

Do all telehandlers have stabilizers?

No. The JLG G12-55 and JCB 510-56 have stabilizers, while the Skytrak 8042 does not list outriggers or stabilizers. It does offer 10 degrees of frame leveling.

What information should I have ready when requesting a quote?

The height the load needs to reach, the weight of the load, how far out it has to go, the ground conditions, and any attachments you need. With those details, the RocRents team can point you to the right machine.

Ready to rent a telehandler?

Browse the full telehandler fleet at rocrents.com, request a quote online, or reach out to our team for a recommendation based on your job.

Call us: +1 877-617-7368

Or fill out our contact form: https://rocrents.com/contact-us/

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