A rough terrain forklift is engineered and designed for transporting things over difficult terrain which a pneumatic tired forklift will not traverse. The most visible feature on the rough terrain lift truck is its aggressive, oversized treaded tires. This tire design allows the equipment to travel muddy, soft or bumpy terrain without getting stuck. You will find various rough terrain unit lift trucks that are 4-wheel drive too. The rough terrain lift truck falls into a Class 7 forklift.
The high quality and unique nature of the rough terrain forklifts have become popular and accepted throughout North America. These machines have become the equipment of choice and have earned a positive reputation, gaining a strong following from various companies and industries.
By the local market, 4-wheel drive forklifts are very well accepted. They are common sights in the construction and heavy lumber businesses. The more reasonable 2-wheel drive machines target the lumber and industrial markets and are high quality. The 4-wheel drive lift trucks are very common to find at any specific local building supply store.
Customers in the recycling industries, agriculture, shipbuilding and sod farming businesses use multi-purpose lift trucks. Within both the mining and lumber businesses where space is limited and normally a concern, really compact forklift models are utilized.
Rough terrain forklifts were created more than 60 years ago, when a 2-pronged lift attachment was fitted to a power buggy. The power buggy was a materials handling equipment, around the size of a wheelbarrow. Nowadays, these heavy industrial equipment are common sights in lumberyards and on construction projects.
The rough terrain lift truck has become a much bigger part of the material handling business. These types of machinery are have endured a rough economic climate, specially for vehicles which have farming or military applications.
On the North American forklift market, there are roughly 20 different kinds of rough terrain forklifts. There are over 1200 models to choose from. In addition, there are various rough terrain telehandlers on the market, with more than 25 various brands. Moreover, various leading companies like for instance JLG and Manitou manufacture both types of machine.
The rough terrain lift trucks are suitable for very tough settings. These types of machinery handle well in all kinds of weather and can perform the most challenging tasks with ease.