For uneven ground, muddy sites or outdoor environments, a standard warehouse forklift often isn’t suitable. Rough terrain forklifts provide the traction, stability and lifting performance needed for construction, agriculture, infrastructure and outdoor materials handling.
In this article we’ll explain what a rough terrain forklift is, the fuel types available, their benefits and common applications.
What Is a Rough Terrain Forklift Truck?
Rough terrain forklifts are lifting machines designed for uneven, unpaved and difficult surfaces. Large pneumatic tyres, higher ground clearance and robust suspension help these trucks operate safely away from smooth warehouse floors.
Also known as all terrain forklifts or off road forklifts, they are commonly used to move materials across gravel, mud, sand and rugged sites.
Fuel Types
As with many forklift trucks, rough terrain forklifts can be powered by diesel, LPG (gas), or electric. Electric trucks can be powered by either lead acid or lithium-ion batteries.
Diesel remains popular for high-torque outdoor applications. In particular, where long operating hours and demanding ground conditions make durability essential.
LPG and electric models are also becoming more common. Electric rough terrain forklifts can help reduce exhaust emissions, noise and fuel use. LPG models can help reduce emissions whilst maintaining a lower up front cost.
Overall, fuel choice depends on operating hours, charging or refuelling access, site conditions and environmental requirements.
Learn more about material handling equipment fuel types here.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Rough Terrain Forklift?
Key benefits of this type of forklift truck include:
Superior Traction
Large treaded tyres provide greater grip on mud, gravel and uneven ground when compared to standard forklifts.
Increased Stability
A wider wheelbase and enhanced chassis improve stability when carrying loads outdoors.
Greater Versatility
All terrain forklifts can work across changing site conditions without prepared surfaces.
Improved Productivity
Materials can be moved directly to work areas, reducing downtime and extra handling.
Which Industries Are Rough Terrain Forklifts Best Suited To?
Rough terrain forklifts are suitable for a range of outdoor industries:
Construction
On construction sites, rough terrain forklifts help move building materials across uneven, changing site conditions with ease.
Agriculture
Farms commonly use them to move heavy loads across fields, tracks and outdoor storage areas.
Timber and Landscaping
Timber yards and landscaping suppliers use off road forklifts to handle bulky materials outdoors.
Events and Infrastructure
Event and infrastructure sites often need lifting equipment that can travel across mixed terrain, such as grass, gravel and undeveloped ground.
Rough Terrain Forklift vs Rough Terrain Telehandler
Both rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers are built for outdoor environments, but they suit different tasks.
A rough terrain forklift uses a traditional mast and is best for loading, unloading and moving palletised goods.
A telehandler on the other hand uses an extendable boom to place loads forwards or at height. This makes them especially useful for hard-to-reach areas.
How Do I Know Which Machine Is Best for My Application?
The right choice depends on your specific site, load and lifting requirements.
For moving palletised materials across difficult ground, a rough terrain forklift is often the most practical option.
For extra reach, lifting height or placing materials over obstacles, a telehandler may be better suited.
Assessing site conditions, load requirements and lifting objectives will help identify the safest and most productive solution.
For rough terrain forklift hire, purchase or fleet support, Briggs Equipment can help assess your requirements and recommend a suitable materials handling solution.