A telehandler is often the first machine to enter a construction site and the last to leave, beating the utilisation levels of other construction equipment that may only be working onsite for a limited amount of time during the project lifecycle. This trend has made telehandlers a staple of construction equipment rental fleets.
“As the awareness of the functionality and flexibility of using a telehandler on a job site increases, we are seeing demand grow year on year from rental companies which are seeing strong returns on their investment in telehandler fleets,” says Hume.
Currently, JLG’s best-selling telehandlers in the Middle East models in its RS Series. Available in two models, the RS Series comprises the 3614RS with 3.6 ton capacity and maximum lift height of 14m, and the 4017RS with 4.0 ton capacity and maximum lift height of 17m.
Hume points out that the RS Series has been designed to ensure reliability in a wide variety of applications.
“JLG designs telehandlers for increased productivity, safety, durability and operator comfort on sites. Simultaneously, they ensure improved serviceability and reduced vehicle downtime, which results in lower total cost of ownership. The JLG RS Series telehandlers are designed to take on almost any kind of job. The RS Series is built from proven components, easy to maintain and available in two configurations, with and without auxiliary hydraulics. Advanced reach and load placement technologies have been tested and refined to improve capacity, boom speed and accuracy,” says Hume.
Ian Hume, sales director-Middle-East, India and Africa, JLG
The JLG 3614RS and 4017RS telehandlers feature Dana axles and transmissions paired with Deutz engines. The simplified boom design provides easier access. The external telescopic cylinder is located on the outside, rather than inside the boom. This arrangement provides quicker and easier access for service technicians. Additionally, the JLG 3614RS and 4017RS telehandlers have cabins that can be cleaned using a pressure washer typically used to clean the exterior.
“The reliability of all these components in the field have been proven over time. A high ground clearance, with a low centre of gravity and 4-wheel drive is a big advantage while traversing rough terrain. Standard frame levelling increases the level of efficiency, especially when loading on slopes and uneven terrain,” says Hume.
Hume indicates that one of the challenges for widespread adoption of advanced telehandlers is the skill gap among operators of such equipment. JLG aims to tackle this by offering more training programmes for rental companies and telehandler operators in the Middle East.
“JLG offers operator and technical training on our range of telehandlers available in the Middle East. We will continue to raise awareness of the importance of training and skill upgradation and support rental companies and end users with training. To help with the language barriers, JLG offers all of its training in several languages including English, Hindi, Arabic and Urdu,” says Hume.
Hume also comments about the market opportunity for electric/hybrid telehandlers in the Middle East.
“Currently the telehandler market is very diesel driven. However, we expect that as the market matures there will be a stronger demand hybrid or fully electric telehandlers,” he says.
