Buying a used telehandler: attachment charts, load centers and condition evidence

Identify the actual mass, dimensions and center of gravity of the load, together with the required placement height and reach. Identify the approved attachment and supporting configuration. A maximum rating or a statement that the machine previously handled similar pallets cannot establish capacity for a different load and position.

JLG’s chart explanation uses a typical fork load center 24 inches forward of the fork’s vertical front face. A uniformly loaded 48-inch package centers at 24 inches. The relationship depends on the actual mass distribution and placement; not every pallet, attachment or packaged load shares that center.

For a uniformly loaded 60-inch package, half-length puts the center 30 inches from the near edge; if that edge sits two inches forward of the fork face, its simplified horizontal load center becomes 32 inches, eight inches beyond the 24-inch example. These geometry examples do not create a derated capacity; use the approved information and actual load instead of inventing a proportional chart.

JLG’s guidance describes attachment-specific charts read with boom-angle and extension indications, so match those documents and usable indicators to the offered machine’s attachment and supporting configuration before treating a headline maximum as the allowance at a different placement position. Maximum height and maximum reach are different positions.

Identify the sections, cylinders, pads, extension equipment and joints fitted, then obtain the applicable measurements and limits from a competent inspector. Identify extension equipment before choosing inspection limits. Movement, shudder or drift is a finding for diagnosis rather than independent proof of a bent section, stretched chain or failed cylinder seal.

JLG’s inspection guidance covers structure, boom equipment, axles, wheels, cab and fitted accessories against the machine’s manual. Obtain serial-specific history, measurements and repair scope. A completed daily checklist cannot establish every internal condition or replace the further examinations prompted by damage, symptoms or incomplete records.

Record the approved tire specification, actual size, construction, fill where applicable, wheel condition and relevant operating requirements. Substitution can affect the supported configuration and cannot be approved from appearance alone.

Resolve tire mismatches under the manufacturer’s information. Solid or foam-filled construction cannot approve every configuration.

Include the axles, frame, steering, brakes and any fitted stabilizers or levelling equipment using the actual inspection procedure. Record carrier findings and permitted function tests separately. A boom that extends does not test the carrier’s full supporting condition, and a clean tire cannot establish that every axle or support system is sound.

Identify what the model, market, configuration and planned use require, then follow the applicable manufacturer test procedure with competent personnel. Preserve safeguards during the prescribed tests.

Never overload the machine or bypass a device for a demonstration. An indicator, limiter or warning system does not independently supply missing capacity information or replace the operating instructions.

Only use the authorized tests and assessment methods for the exact machine, with suitable personnel, configuration and area. Do not invent a timed suspended-load trial or approach extended equipment to watch for play.

Record test conditions and obtain diagnosis. One visible movement cannot identify every hydraulic or structural cause.

Assume offer A costs $38,000 and needs a $4,000 approved attachment plus $3,000 of identified work, reaching $45,000. Assume offer B includes the needed attachment for $43,000 and needs $1,000 of work, reaching $44,000.

These costs are assumed, not valuations. Establish equivalent capability and documentation before comparing the totals.

Obtain the correct chart and instructions through the authorized source and verify the attachment and configuration they cover. Treat missing chart information as an unresolved operating requirement. A discount or a chart borrowed from a similar model cannot establish the absent capacity basis for your planned work.

Reconcile configuration, chart, inspection findings, service and repair approvals, ownership and support with the load and placement requirements. Add actual transport, tax and required preparation to the known costs, keeping unperformed tests separate. Choose from the documented usable package and its acceptable uncertainty; a high maximum rating cannot answer an unsupported reach or attachment requirement.