What Is a Rough Terrain Forklift?

While forklifts are often associated with warehouse environments, many businesses rely on machinery that’s capable of performing outside on rugged terrain—that’s where rough terrain forklifts come in. These forklifts are slightly larger than their smaller, warehouse-variety cousins, and they come equipped with a number of important features and functionalities that make them suitable for outdoor conditions. Learn more about these forklifts so that you can decide whether they are a good solution for equipment handling at your business or work site.

Rough terrain forklifts are designed to be durable enough for use outside in challenging terrain. These forklifts have much larger tires than warehouse forklifts, with rugged tread patterns to keep them steady on uneven, slippery and bumpy surfaces. Typically, these forklifts are used to carry loads on construction sites or outdoor staging areas. These forklifts aren’t ideal for indoor use since they have larger footprints and are more difficult to maneuver in a warehouse environment. In addition, these forklifts are heavy and put more pressure and stress on warehouse flooring, which can lead to premature wear and damage.

There are three basic types of rough terrain forklifts that you can find when you buy or rent from a forklift dealer in Lafayette, LA:

• Telescopic handler: A telescopic handler (or telehandler) forklift has a telescoping boom that can extend out to access loads at various heights and distances. While a traditional forklift has a relatively limited range, a telehandler forklift is far more versatile when it comes to material handling. Depending on the type of telehandler forklift, these machines can access loads from between 18 to 56 feet in the air and have the capacity to carry between 5,500 and 12,000 pounds.
• Roto telescopic handler: A roto telescopic handler has features and capabilities that are similar to a telescopic handler, but with the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees. This feature enables roto telescopic handler forklifts to access various loads and complete tasks from a single position on a worksite. These machines usually come with stabilizing mechanisms to keep them steady while moving loads on rough terrain.
• Straight mast: Straight mast forklifts are similar in design to traditional indoor forklifts, but with a greater height range and weight capacity. These forklifts can accommodate up to 8,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of up to 22 feet. These rough terrain forklifts both can be used indoors and outdoors, so they’re ideal for combination sites with warehouse space and outdoor loading zones or construction sites.

The right equipment can boost the efficiency, productivity and safety of your workplace, and you can find all of the equipment you need at George’s Lift Truck Service, LLC. We are a family owned and operated forklift dealer in Lafayette, LA that has proudly served clients with forklift equipment sales and rentals since 1969. In addition to our inventory of dependable material handling equipment, we are also happy to provide equipment repairs. Regardless of your specific needs, we would be happy to assist you.

Categorised in: Forklift Dealer

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