Rough Terrain Forklift - Forklift

The Rough Terrain Forklift - The Basics

A rough terrain forklift has two features which will distinguish from any other type of forklift truck. In this article we will take a closer look at just what these two features are.

1. Internal Combustion (IC) Engine

This type of forklift is fitted with an IC engine for a number of reasons. The first being that they are much better able to handle large loads than say an electric forklift would be.

They also have better acceleration and are faster than electric forklifts which makes them ideal for those locations where the site is big.

Because the IC engine is more well known and familiar to many mechanics actually maintaining them and repairing them is a lot easier than it would be with an electric forklift. Normally all routine maintenance and any simple repairs to the vehicles can be carried out by a company's own team of mechanics rather than having to call out a specialist from the company who built the forklift to do the servicing or basic repairs. As these machines tend to be quite badly abused during their life time this can be an extremely big time saver in relation to production costs etc.

2. Pneumatic Tires

These are the other key part of any rough terrain forklift. It is these which provide both the traction and cushioning which is necessary for a person to be able to use it on rutted or uneven terrain.

However there are rough terrain forklifts which are often used as recycling centers and these have solid pneumatic tires on them and are made from solid rubber rather than being filled with air as others are.

What is important to note with any type of rough terrain forklift truck is that the combination of the pneumatic tires and the internal combustion engine makes this the best choice for many businesses who require a truck for outdoor use only. Certainly the most likely place you are going to find such trucks is in recycling centers, on construction sites, in lumberyards and for use by landscaping businesses. However because of the engine within the truck this is not one that should be used for internal use as it requires the area in which it is working to be well ventilated.

Telescopic Forklift