“Patriot Lifting.” So y’all can probably lift using whatever we want, right?

Wrongo.

We use the right tool for the job. And when you’re putting a Swim Spa, Hot Tub, or Landscaping on your residential property, a telehandler is usually the wrong choice.

Let’s discuss.

What is a Telehandler

If you are unfamiliar with the term “Telehandler,” we wrote a post about it! Check it out.

A more common term is “Offroad Forklift.” You have definitely seen them before.

Will it Lift?

Oh yeah, a Telehandler has some good power. It can lift swim spas, hot tubs, landscaping… all sorts of good stuff. That’s not where the problem comes from!

If you asked this question of yourself, good job! You definitely want to make sure that the “right tool for the job” has the ability to lift what you need. But it’s not the only factor you should take into account!

What does it weigh

A telehandler weighs 30,000 to 40,000 pounds. That’s a LOT!

For comparison, your average full-sized truck weighs 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. Do you want a fleet of 8 trucks on your yard?

4 Tires and Crazy Ground Pressure

Oops! A fleet of 8 trucks? How many tires is that…? Math class complete - 32 tires!

Sure, the tires will be smaller… but not significantly.

So you have 8 trucks worth of weight on a telehandler’s 4 tires (not the trucks’ 32). That’s a TON of ground pressure! Try almost 10 times what the trucks would create!

For comparison, our smallest crane weighs in at 50,000 pounds but has 10 tires! That’s about half the ground pressure of a Telehandler.

(And we still aren’t going to drive that crane on your yard)

What it means for your yard…

Add that epic ground pressure to some nice, powerful, treaded tires, and what do you get?

Ruts in your yard.

If you don’t want your yard looking like a bunch of dinosaurs had a break-dancing competition, don’t let someone drive a telehandler on your yard!

Not Worth It. Use a Crane!

So let’s get it straight: Destroyed yard. Less precise and delicate than a crane. Similar cost.

It’s not worth it! A crane is going to give you a much better experience.

But the thing with cranes: you need to make sure you’re working with a good company and a good operator. We would love to come take a look at your job!

Give us a call and we can give you a free quote!