The Right Forklift For the Right Terrain
Rough terrain forklifts and conventional forklifts are very different. If you’re looking at a rough terrain forklift, there are several things you need to know and it’s important to compare the many major differences.
Rough Terrain Forklifts and 4WD forklifts
Rough terrain forklifts are designed to manage difficult environments. They’re bigger than most conventional powered forklifts and they often look like a cross between a tractor and forklift. That’s quite appropriate because they do very similar work to both types of vehicle and in similar environments.
Rough terrain forklifts are either 4WD or 2WD, but 4WD is the do-everything model. Like a car, the capabilities of these forklifts are defined by their drive.
The 4WD forklifts are the heavy lifters in this class. They often have big wheels, with a driver’s mount and a fork. In some cases, they also have extensions, like jigs. Some have crane arms with a fork mounted on the arm of the crane.
Rough Terrain Forklifts Basics
These types of forklifts are typically used in rural environments. They’re excellent for cross country travelling, and most importantly, they’re highly stable when handling their loads.
In Australia, they also double as workhorses in the bush. They run well on soils and they’re super-tough and durable. Rough terrain models are able to do excellent work in environments where no ordinary forklift could operate.
These forklifts are truly versatile and they come with a range of attachments. They can use either a standard or a telescopic mast, which is very useful when managing that sometimes complex mix of reach and lift that all forklifts must have. They also have higher ground clearance, which is essential for working cross country.
Rough terrain forklifts are usually not suitable for indoor work unless you have a lot of open space for them to operate. The usual working arrangement is that the rough terrain forklift delivers to transport which carries the goods to the indoor facility.
Costs and Choices of Rough Terrain Forklifts
As you might expect, these bigger and more robust forklifts are a bit more expensive. The choice of forklifts, features and design options, however, are excellent. If you’re looking for a quality rough terrain forklift, it’s a good idea to shop around through specialist dealers to get the best deal.
If you’re not familiar with these forklifts, please be aware:
- Licensing requirements are the same for rough terrain forklifts
- It’s important to train on these forklifts, even if you’re an experienced driver of conventional forklifts
- They handle differently and it takes practice to become proficient in their operation for safe driving
- Forklift services and forklift maintenance require specialist services
Need Help Finding a Rough Terrain Forklift?
Aussie Forklifts can help you when you’re looking to buy a new forklift. We’re your local Sydney forklift specialists and we can definitely assist with a rough terrain model. We can also help you with hiring a forklift, too. Ring us on (02) 9679 8992 or contact us online and talk to our experts about your needs. Let us find you the perfect rough terrain forklift for your business.