The 10,000–14,000 lb (4,500–6,500 kg) class is the most popular telehandler size for general construction. It handles the majority of framing, roofing, masonry, and site material jobs without requiring the larger transport and fuel cost of a heavy-duty machine.
Why This Capacity Class Dominates Construction
A 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) telehandler comfortably handles:
- Lumber bundles for framing (typically 2,000–4,000 lb per bundle)
- Roofing material pallets (shingles: ~3,000–4,000 lb per pallet)
- Masonry block and brick pallets (3,000–5,000 lb)
- Steel beams and structural members up to ~10,000 lb (near-zero reach)
- Equipment pick and place: generators, HVAC units, prefab panels
Key Specifications to Compare
Max Height
For most residential and light commercial construction, a max height of 40–55 ft (12–17 m) covers the majority of lifts. If you're servicing 5+ story commercial structures, look for 55 ft+ capability.
Forward Reach at Height
Check the load chart at your most common placement height. A machine rated 12,000 lb at ground may only carry 6,000 lb at 40 ft and 10 ft forward reach. Verify the machine's capacity at your actual working envelope — not just its maximum rating.
Tire Configuration
- All-terrain tires: Best for mixed jobsite surfaces — mud, gravel, pavement transitions.
- Foam-filled: Eliminates flats on debris-heavy sites at the cost of ride comfort.
- Solid tires: For very rough hardscaped surfaces; not ideal on soft ground.
Crab Steer and 4-Wheel Steer
Four-wheel steering (front + rear simultaneously) drastically reduces turning radius. Crab steering (all four wheels parallel) allows diagonal travel without changing the machine's heading — valuable on narrow sites.
Maverick MVT5518 — Purpose-Built for Construction
The MVT5518 delivers 5,500 kg (12,100 lb) at rated capacity with 18 m (59 ft) max height. Features include a Cummins Tier 4 Final engine, Carraro wet-brake axles, 4-wheel and crab steering, and a Husco proportional hydraulic valve for smooth attachment control at height.
| Spec | MVT5518 |
|---|---|
| Rated Capacity | 5,500 kg (12,100 lb) |
| Max Height | 18 m (59 ft) |
| Max Forward Reach | 14.6 m (48 ft) |
| Engine | Cummins QSF3.8 Tier 4 Final |
| Steering Modes | Front, 4-wheel, crab |
| Transmission | ZF 4-speed powershift |
🏗️ The MVT5518 ships with a standard pallet fork set and is attachment-ready for jibs, buckets, work platforms, and winch kits — download the attachment catalog for the full list.