Forklifts and telehandlers are used to load and unload pallet items - usually items bought from the building material supplier. Most items from the sawmill, wall factory, and steel trade use transport frames, which cannot be manipulated with a telehandler. Some items from the building material supplier do not use pallets either.
Both forklifts and telehandlers must slide their fork into the pallet underneath the item, then attaching the item to the fork in the same way a crane is used.
While telehandlers act like normal vehicles in that they can be rented, purchased, or driven anywhere, forklifts are bound to a specific location. They will teleport back to their home area if taken too far. Forklifts may be rented, for free, at the building material supplier or at your company premises. The wall factory, steel trade, and sawmill do not have forklifts.
All telehandlers in the game require a DLC pack, but these vehicles are never mandatory for a specific mission - cranes can be used in their place.
Official Description: Telescopic loaders are suitable for loading pallets with low payloads, which are sold by the building material dealer. They have an extendable telescopic arm for reaching high areas. The tires of the vehicle also bring a certain off-road capability. Unlike forklifts, telescopic handlers can be rented or purchased from vehicle dealers and can be used anywhere.
Forklifts are freely available at the building material dealer and on your company premises. They are only suitable for loading pallets. There is a designated area at both locations from where forklifts can be picked up and used directly. Move your character to the pick-up area and hold G (or or ) to pick up a forklifts. Forklifts belong to the respective location area. It is not possible to use them outside the location.