Telehandler for Precast Concrete Panel Installation on Multi-Storey Building Projects

Customer & Project Background

The customer is a building contractor carrying out a multi-storey commercial and residential development. The project includes reinforced concrete frames, precast wall panels, façade elements, stair components, balcony sections and other prefabricated building materials that must be delivered to different work zones as construction progresses.

Precast concrete components arrived at the jobsite by truck and required fast unloading before they could be staged near the building. The contractor needed a flexible machine capable of moving panel stillages, installation accessories, pallets of grout and tools, and selected precast elements around a congested construction site.

Instead of using a crane for every routine handling task, the contractor selected the HT3510 3.5 ton, 10 m telehandler to support ground logistics, component staging and controlled material placement at accessible installation elevations. The telehandler worked alongside the project crane, helping reserve crane time for the largest structural lifts and high-elevation component installation.

Project Challenges

• Precast concrete panels and related installation materials required reliable movement from truck-delivery areas to designated storage and lifting zones.
• The construction site had uneven ground, gravel access routes, temporary ramps and changing traffic routes that were unsuitable for ordinary warehouse forklifts.
• Space near the building perimeter was limited by scaffolding, reinforcement storage, concrete works, delivery vehicles and site personnel.
• The contractor needed to reduce unnecessary dependence on the main crane for routine pallet handling, accessory delivery and lower-level material placement.
• Loads had to be positioned accurately near slab edges, façade work areas and temporary installation platforms while following the applicable load chart and site lifting plan.

HAMAC Equipment Solution

HAMAC recommended the HT3510 as a balanced solution for medium-duty precast construction logistics. The machine combines the lifting function of a forklift, the forward reach of a telescopic boom and the site mobility needed for rough-terrain construction operations.

The HT3510 is part of the HAMAC telehandler range, which is designed for construction, agricultural and industrial material-handling work where conventional forklifts may not provide enough reach or terrain capability.

Application on Site

1. Truck Unloading and Component Staging

When delivery trucks arrived, the HT3510 used pallet forks and approved lifting accessories to unload panel stillages, installation brackets, grout pallets, reinforcement materials and packaged construction supplies. The telehandler transported these materials from the unloading zone to organized staging areas near the building.

By moving materials quickly away from the delivery route, the contractor kept truck turnaround times under control and reduced congestion around the main access road. Components could then be prepared for crane lifting or direct placement according to the daily installation schedule.

2. Supplying Precast Installation Teams

During panel installation, the telehandler delivered the supporting materials required by crews, including connection hardware, sealants, grout, formwork accessories, hand tools and pallets of building materials. This allowed the main crane to focus on critical heavy lifts while the HT3510 supported recurring logistics tasks throughout the shift.

For accessible lower and middle levels, the telescopic boom helped place materials onto temporary platforms, protected slab areas and designated loading points. Operators adjusted boom extension and lifting height according to the official load chart, actual load weight and required placement position.

3. Repositioning Materials Around Restricted Areas

The construction site changed continuously as concrete works, scaffolding, façade installation and utility activities progressed. With four-wheel drive and crab steering, the HT3510 could travel around obstructions and align with building edges more easily than machines with conventional steering.

This flexibility was particularly useful when materials had to be moved around temporary barriers, site fencing, scaffolding legs, storage containers and partially completed access roads. The telehandler could support several work zones during one shift without requiring a separate machine for every area.

Safety and Operating Practices

Precast concrete handling requires a site-specific lifting plan, trained personnel and strict control of load weight, boom angle, forward reach and ground conditions. The telehandler was used only for lifts permitted by the machine load chart, the approved attachment configuration and the project safety procedures.

• Operators verified the actual load weight, including lifting accessories, before every lift.
• All precast panels and lifting frames were checked to ensure they were suitable for the planned handling method.
• Loads were kept as low as practical during travel across the construction site.
• Ground conditions were assessed before lifting, especially near excavations, slab edges, ramps and soft areas.
• Exclusion zones were maintained around suspended loads and active lifting operations.
• Spotters assisted where visibility was restricted by the boom, building structure or stored materials.
• Crane lifts were coordinated with telehandler movements to avoid conflicts in shared work areas.
• The telehandler was not used beyond its approved capacity, lift height or forward-reach limits.

Results and Benefits

By using the HT3510 telehandler for daily precast logistics, the contractor created a more responsive handling workflow between truck deliveries, storage areas and installation zones. The machine reduced waiting time for routine material movement and supported crews without relying on the main crane for every pallet or accessory lift.

For projects requiring lower-height material placement in tighter urban areas, contractors can also consider the HT2506 telehandler application for high-rise building material placement. For heavy precast-yard material movement before components are delivered to the construction site, see the FD60-RT rough terrain forklift case for precast concrete yard handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a telehandler install precast concrete panels directly?

A telehandler can support approved precast panel handling and placement tasks when the load weight, lifting point, attachment, boom position, ground condition and reach are within the machine manufacturer’s load chart and the project’s engineered lifting plan. Large or heavy panels, high-elevation lifts and critical structural installation tasks may require a crane.

Why use a telehandler together with a crane on precast projects?

A crane is often reserved for major panel erection and high-level structural lifts. A telehandler can manage truck unloading, ground transport, pallet handling, installation accessories and other recurring material movements, helping improve overall equipment utilization on the project.

What is the benefit of 10 m lift height for multi-storey construction?

A 10 m boom can serve lower and middle building levels, temporary loading platforms, façade work zones and elevated storage positions where a shorter telehandler may not reach. The available lifting capacity changes with boom height and extension, so operators must follow the official load chart.

Which attachment is suitable for precast concrete work?

Pallet forks are commonly used for stillages, pallets and packaged materials. A lifting jib, hook or other dedicated attachment may be used only when approved for the telehandler and suitable for the component and lifting plan. Attachment weight must always be included in the total lifted load.

Is the HT3510 suitable for uneven construction sites?

Yes. The HT3510 has 4×4 rough-terrain capability and multiple steering modes, allowing it to work more effectively on gravel, compacted soil, temporary access roads and uneven ground than a standard indoor forklift. Safe operation still depends on verified ground bearing capacity, slope limits and proper site preparation.