A rough terrain lift truck is engineered and designed for transporting things over difficult terrain which a pneumatic tired lift truck would not traverse. The most visible feature on the rough terrain forklift is its oversized, aggressive treaded tires. This tire design allows the machine to travel muddy, soft or bumpy terrain without getting stuck. There are actually a variety of rough terrain unit forklifts that are 4-wheel drive as well. The rough terrain forklift are under Class 7 forklift.
The unique nature of the rough terrain forklift and its exceptional versatility and quality has led to widespread popularity throughout North America. These types of equipment have become the machinery of choice and have earned a positive reputation, earning a strong following from a range of industries and companies.
4-wheel drive forklifts are very well accepted by a lot of local markets. These machinery are common on heavy lumber and construction business work sites. The less expensive 2-wheel drive machinery are high quality and target the industrial and lumber markets. The 4-wheel drive forklifts are very common to find at any particular local building supply store.
Clients in the recycling businesses, agriculture, shipbuilding and sod farming businesses use multi-purpose lift trucks. In the lumber and mining businesses where space is really limited and often a problem, really compact lift truck units are utilized.
Rough terrain lift trucks were invented over 6 decades ago, when a 2-pronged lift attachment was fitted to a power buggy. The power buggy was a materials handling equipment, about the size of a wheelbarrow. Nowadays, 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 business. These machines are have endured a rough economic climate, particularly for vehicles which have farming or military use.
In the US, there are more than 20 different types of rough terrain forklifts on the market. There are more than 1200 units to pick from. As well, there are different rough terrain telehandlers on the market, with over 25 various brands. Moreover, various leading corporations such as JLG and Manitou manufacture both kinds of machine.
The rough terrain lift trucks are suitable for very tough environments. These machinery handle well in all kinds of weather conditions and can carry out the most challenging tasks easily.