Safety, Engineering, and Protecting Your Investment
Installing a metal building is much more than simply bolting steel together. As buildings become wider, taller, and more heavily engineered, specialized lifting equipment becomes essential to safely place large roof trusses and structural components.
One of the most common questions we receive at Metal Carports and Buildings is:
“Why do I have to provide a telehandler (reach lift) for my building installation?”
The answer comes down to three things:
- Safety
- Engineering
- Installation quality
If you’ve ordered a larger metal garage, workshop, RV cover, commercial building, barn, or agricultural building, providing the correct telehandler helps ensure your building is installed safely, efficiently, and according to industry best practices.
Why Is a Telehandler Required?
Roof trusses for larger steel buildings are extremely large and heavy. Many span 30 to 60 feet—or even more—and must be lifted several feet above the finished wall height before they can be accurately positioned and permanently fastened.
Without the proper lifting equipment, installers would be forced to manually lift, support, or maneuver heavy structural steel overhead, significantly increasing the risk of:
- Worker injuries
- Falling materials
- Bent or damaged trusses
- Improper alignment
- Property damage
- Installation delays
- Unsafe working conditions
A properly sized telehandler allows installers to safely lift, position, and hold each truss while connections are made according to the engineered design.
Safety Is Always Our Highest Priority
“Our goal has never been to install buildings as quickly as possible—our goal is to install them safely and correctly the first time. The proper equipment protects our crews, protects our customers’ investment, and helps ensure every building is installed exactly as it was engineered.”
— Mike Daniels, Owner, Metal Carports and Buildings
Every installation decision begins with one question:
Is this the safest way to perform the work?
If the answer is no, we don’t do it.
Why Hand-Lifting Isn’t Safe
Many customers don’t realize just how large engineered steel roof trusses actually are.
Depending on the building size, a single truss may:
- Span more than 60 feet
- Weigh hundreds of pounds
- Require precise placement
- Need to remain perfectly level during installation
Attempting to manually lift or balance these components increases the likelihood of injury and can damage structural members before the building is even completed.
Using a telehandler allows our crews to:
- Lift from the proper balance point
- Hold the truss securely in place
- Make precise adjustments
- Prevent twisting or bending
- Reduce unnecessary stress on the steel
The result is a safer installation and a better-built structure.
What Is a Telehandler?
A telehandler, sometimes called a reach lift, is a specialized construction machine that combines the lifting capability of a forklift with the reach of a crane.
Unlike a traditional forklift, a telehandler extends:
- Upward
- Forward (outward)
This makes it ideal for placing large roof trusses over sidewalls while maintaining stability throughout the lifting process.
Telehandlers are commonly used in:
- Steel building construction
- Commercial construction
- Agricultural construction
- Industrial facilities
- Structural steel erection
When Is a Telehandler Required?
For many of our larger installations, the customer is responsible for providing a properly sized telehandler.
A 5,000-pound capacity telehandler is generally required for:
- Buildings 13 feet tall or higher
- Buildings 32 feet wide or wider
The machine must be capable of reaching both upward and outward, not simply lifting vertically.
How to Calculate the Required Reach Height
Determining the proper reach is simple.
Add together:
- Building leg height
- Roof peak height
Example
Leg Height: 18 feet
Roof Pitch: 4/12
Roof Rise: Approximately 4 feet
Required Reach
18 feet + 4 feet = 22 feet
For this example, you would need a 5,000-pound telehandler capable of reaching at least 22 feet while extending outward.
If you’re unsure which machine is needed, our team is happy to help determine the proper specifications before installation.
Buildings Over 60 Feet Wide
Very large commercial or agricultural buildings often require multiple telehandlers.
Using more than one lift allows installers to safely support long-span roof trusses, minimize flexing, improve positioning accuracy, and maintain a safer job site.
Each project is evaluated individually based on its engineering requirements.
Engineering Matters
Engineered metal buildings are specifically designed to withstand environmental forces such as:
- Snow loads
- Wind loads
- Dead loads
- Live loads
- Seismic requirements (where applicable)
Maintaining proper alignment during installation is essential for preserving the structural integrity intended by the engineer.
Improper lifting methods can place unnecessary stress on structural components before permanent bracing is installed.
Industry Safety Standards Support Proper Lifting Equipment
Safe material handling is a fundamental principle throughout the construction industry.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to protect workers from struck-by hazards, falling objects, and unsafe lifting practices through proper planning and appropriate equipment.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also recommends reducing manual handling of heavy materials whenever practical to decrease the risk of serious workplace injuries.
Construction organizations throughout North America consistently encourage contractors to use properly rated lifting equipment whenever structural steel or oversized components must be installed overhead.
Simply put:
The right equipment protects both people and property.
Why We Ask Customers to Provide the Lift
Customers sometimes wonder why the installation crew doesn’t simply bring a telehandler.
There are several reasons.
Lower Overall Cost
Renting locally is often significantly less expensive than transporting heavy equipment hundreds of miles.
Better Scheduling
Locally rented equipment is typically available throughout your scheduled installation period.
Local Service
Equipment rental companies can quickly assist if another machine or attachment becomes necessary during installation.
Providing the lift locally helps keep installation costs lower for everyone.
What Type of Lift Should You Rent?
Unless otherwise specified, most qualifying buildings require:
- Minimum 5,000-pound telehandler
- Adequate upward reach
- Adequate forward reach
- Proper lifting forks or attachment
- Safe operating condition
Buildings over 60 feet wide may require additional telehandlers.
Our sales team can help determine exactly what is required before your installation date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular forklift?
Usually not.
Traditional forklifts generally lack the reach and stability necessary to safely position large engineered roof trusses.
Can the trusses simply be lifted by hand?
No.
Buildings requiring a telehandler involve structural members that are simply too large and heavy to safely install without mechanical lifting equipment.
Does every building require a telehandler?
No.
Many smaller buildings can be installed without one.
Telehandlers are typically required only for larger buildings based on width, height, and engineering requirements.
Can I rent the telehandler myself?
Yes.
Many customers arrange rentals through local equipment rental companies before installation begins.
If you need guidance, we’re happy to help determine the correct machine.
Our Commitment to Safety
“Every building we sell represents an investment in someone’s home, business, farm, or future. That investment deserves a professional installation completed with the proper equipment, experienced crews, and an unwavering commitment to safety.”
— Mike Daniels, Owner, Metal Carports and Buildings
Our commitment extends beyond selling quality metal buildings.
We believe every building should be installed safely, professionally, and according to the engineering that was designed for your specific location.
Request a Free Quote
Whether you’re planning a metal garage, RV cover, steel workshop, commercial metal building, barn, horse shelter, or agricultural building, our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right building for your property and explain exactly what will be needed for installation.
Metal Carports and Buildings proudly serves customers throughout:
- Utah
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Washington
- Oregon
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- Texas
📞 Call: (435) 250-4446
🌐 Website: metalcarportsandbuildings.com
Request your free, no-obligation quote today and let our experts help you design a metal building engineered for your local snow loads, wind loads, and building requirements.