Common Telehandler Mistakes on Concrete and How to Avoid Them

Telehandlers are invaluable assets on the job site, offering power, reach and versatility. However, when used improperly on concrete surfaces, they can pose serious safety risks and lead to costly damage. The good news? With the right precautions and best practices in place, these issues are entirely avoidable.

Let’s break down a few of the mistakes and how you and your team can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Overloading

Exceeding the machine’s load capacity can lead to a multitude of issues, including tip-over, excessive wear on the machine and concrete damage.

Solution: Always adhere to the load chart and ensure the weight is evenly distributed.

While a good portion of responsibility rests with site planners and engineers to ensure the right equipment is in place, everyone knowing the ins and outs of the job site can only help.

This is where JLG can help.

The Online Express portal offers technical resources, documentation and helpful guides on a variety of topics. For example, the floor loading specification manual is an easy reference point to help site planners, engineers and operators ensure that the telehandler is working within safe limits. This will be your go-to tool as you look to use a JLG telehandler—along with any necessary attachments—correctly on concrete surfaces.

Understanding the difference between floor load capacity and machine ground bearing pressure is also important. Unsure how these measurements factor in? This article breaks down what you need to know as you plan for your next project.  

Additionally, JLG offers a robust operator training program that ensures proper telehandler use through JLG University. Ideal for both industry newbies looking to start their career in construction and seasoned professionals looking for a refresher, these courses are designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce, wherever they are.

Mistake #2: Ignoring tires

Worn or improperly inflated tires reduce traction and stability on smooth concrete surfaces.

Solution: Regularly inspect tires for wear, cracks or improper inflation.

Also remember to use non-marking or solid rubber tires when appropriate because the last thing you want to do is avoid concrete damage only to leave black tire marks all over a freshly poured concrete surface.

Mistake #3: Failing to plan the route

Navigating a job site without a clear plan increases the risk of collisions and site damages.

Solution: Map out your travel path in advance, and use spotters when visibility is limited.

Understanding your approved areas to operate the equipment on the job site is key. For example, knowing where the concrete is weakest—whether that’s two feet from the edge or two inches—will help determine the safest paths forward so operators don’t accidentally crack off a corner.

Mistake #4: Neglecting to inspect machine and surface conditions

Concrete surfaces may have oil spills, water or uneven patches that affect traction and stability. On the other hand, that machine itself might also have leaks that need to be addressed.

Solution: Check for hazards before operating and clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.

Always—yes, always—complete a walk-around inspection of the machine. Check the hydraulics to ensure that as the operator is driving around, they aren’t leaving fluids on the concrete floor that could potentially require extensive cleaning.

Mistake #5: Not using the right machine for the project

Concrete surfaces, especially in industrial settings, warehouses, or construction sites, have specific demands that differ from rough terrain or unpaved job sites. Using a telehandler that isn’t equipped for your specific job site can lead to reduced stability, excessive tire wear and overcapacity issues.

Solution: Spec the machine to the job site or concrete requirements.

You need to understand the size of the load that you're working with, understand the reach and height requirements of that specific job site, and then identify what machine and what options you need on the scene to positively impact the operator success.

When it comes to spec’ing the equipment for your next job, you don’t have it go it alone. For guidance on spec’ing the right equipment, check out these tips or contact our team.

Before you take on your next concrete project, consider the impact that a JLG telehandler can make. Explore the full lineup of JLG telehandlers and SkyTrak telehandlers today to learn how JLG has blended advanced technology and practical features to help maximize productivity on the job site.