A rough terrain forklift is designed and engineered for transporting things over challenging terrain that a pneumatic tired lift truck will not traverse. The most visible feature on the rough terrain forklift is its aggressive, oversized treaded tires. This tire design allows the machine to travel soft, bumpy or muddy terrain without getting stuck. You will find various rough terrain model lift trucks that are 4-wheel drive also. The rough terrain lift truck falls into a Class 7 forklift.
The unique nature of the rough terrain forklift and its excellent versatility and quality has led to widespread popularity throughout North America. These kinds of machinery have become the equipment of choice and have earned a positive reputation, gaining a strong following from a range of industries and businesses.
4-wheel drive forklifts are very well accepted by many local markets. These machinery are popular on heavy lumber and construction industries work sites. The less expensive 2-wheel drive equipment target the lumber and industrial markets and are high quality. The 4-wheel drive lift trucks are very common to find at any particular local building supply store.
Clients in the recycling industries, shipbuilding, agriculture and sod farming businesses utilize multi-purpose forklifts. Within the mining and lumber industries where space is really limited and often a problem, really compact forklift units are utilized.
Over 60 years ago, the rough terrain lift truck was created when a 2-pronged lift attachment was fitted to a power buggy. The power buggy was a materials handling machine, about the size of a wheelbarrow. Today, these heavy industrial machinery are popular sights on construction projects and in lumberyards.
These rugged, strong cousins of industrial lift trucks continue to become a bigger part of the industry. These kinds of machinery are have endured a rough economic climate, specially for vehicles which have military or farming applications.
On the North American lift truck market, there are around 20 different kinds of rough terrain forklifts. There are over 1200 units to select from. As well, there are different rough terrain telehandlers on the market, with more than 25 different brand names. In addition, a variety of top companies like JLG and Manitou manufacture both kinds of equipment.
These 4-wheel drive machinery are suited for the harshest of environments. These types of equipment handle well in all types of weather and can perform the most challenging tasks easily.