What Are the Main Controls of a Telehandler?
The main controls of a telehandler include steering controls, drive and transmission selectors, boom and lift functions, auxiliary hydraulics, stabilizer or frame-leveling controls (on equipped models), and safety monitoring systems.
These controls are grouped inside the operator’s cab and allow you to steer the machine, move the chassis, operate the telescopic boom, run attachments, and monitor stability and load limits. They work together so you can place loads accurately, travel safely, and maintain control in changing jobsite conditions.
Understanding the Controls Inside the Cab
Once you sit in the operator’s seat, you’ll find that every major function—steering, travel, lifting, and attachment control—is designed to be within easy reach. The layout varies by brand, but the logic is similar across the industry.
Below is a breakdown of the telehandler’s core control groups and what they mean for you on a real jobsite.
1. Steering and Drive Controls
Steering is where you feel the telehandler’s versatility the most. Unlike a forklift, you’re not limited to one steering style—something that becomes obvious the moment you’re working in tight or uneven areas commonly described in operator training guides1.
Steering Modes
- Front-wheel steering: Your standard road-travel mode.
- Four-wheel steering: Ideal when you’re working between materials, scaffolding, or machinery.
- Crab steering: Lets you move diagonally—useful when aligning with a wall or adjusting your position without backing up.
One important habit:
Make sure your wheels are straight before switching modes.
This protects your axles and keeps your steering predictable.
Drive / Transmission Selector
You’ll typically use a forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) lever—often built into the joystick.
This selector switches direction quickly, but it doesn’t control speed.
Your speed comes from the accelerator and the machine’s hydrostatic or powershift transmission.
2. Boom and Lift Controls
The boom is where a telehandler sets itself apart from forklifts. Your primary lift functions—raise, lower, extend, retract—are usually on a single joystick. Many modern machines use smooth electro-hydraulic controls based on the type of boom system components2.
Boom Raise / Lower
Gives you vertical movement.
But remember—as boom height increases, stability decreases because the center of gravity shifts.
Boom Extend / Retract
Controls forward reach.
This has the biggest impact on your lift capacity. The farther you reach, the less you can safely lift.
Attachment Tilt
Lets you level forks or buckets at height for precise placement.
Why this matters for you
Smooth boom control makes the difference between “rough placement” and “set it down perfectly on the edge of the second floor.”
3. Auxiliary Hydraulic Controls
If you use powered attachments—buckets, clamps, winches, augers—you’ll rely on auxiliary hydraulics.
These systems are described across several telehandler hydraulic component guides3.
Depending on your machine, you may have:
- Buttons on the joystick
- A second hydraulic lever
- Continuous flow mode
- Flow regulation dials
- Return-to-tank quick couplers
These let you convert the telehandler from a pure lifting machine into a multi-purpose tool carrier.
4. Stabilizer and Frame-Leveling Controls (If Equipped)
High-reach and rotating telehandlers often use stabilizers to create a wide, solid base for lifting.
Typical Stabilizer Controls
- Deploy stabilizers
- Retract stabilizers
- Auto-level or manual leveling (model-dependent)
It’s important to understand the difference:
| Feature | Frame Leveling | Stabilizers |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Corrects small side-to-side slopes before lifting | Creates a rigid support base |
| When Used | Before boom operation | For maximum height/reach |
| Common On | Most mid-range telehandlers | High-reach & ROTO models |
This clarity is often missing from generic guides, but crucial for safe operation as highlighted in operator resources4.
5. Safety and Monitoring Systems
Today’s telehandlers include electronic and mechanical systems to help you stay within safe lifting limits.
You’ll typically see:
- Load Moment Indicator (LMI) or Load Stability System (LSS)
- Load chart screen
- Boom angle sensors
- Overload warnings
- Parking brake interlocks
- Engine and hydraulic alerts
These systems are standard across most machines referenced in OEM documentation5.
6. Basic Cab Controls
These don’t move the load, but they help you operate safely and comfortably:
- Ignition or start button
- Wipers and HVAC
- Horn and emergency stop
- Work lights and beacon light
- Seat and mirror adjustments
Good visibility and comfort directly affect your ability to place loads accurately.
Summary: What These Controls Mean for You
When you understand how each control contributes to lift performance, stability, and maneuverability, you operate more confidently and safely. Telehandler controls work together so you can:
- Move smoothly on different terrain
- Place loads precisely at height or reach
- Use attachments efficiently
- Monitor stability in real time
- Adjust the machine to the conditions around you
With the right control understanding, you get better performance, safer lifts, and more predictable handling on any jobsite.
References
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Official telehandler operator manual detailing controls and safe operation. ↩
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Overview of key telehandler components and boom systems. ↩
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Hydraulic systems and auxiliary function controls for telehandlers. ↩
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Operator-oriented explanation of telehandler controls and working principles. ↩
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Technical documentation on telehandler components and electronic systems. ↩
