A rough terrain forklift is engineered and designed for transporting items over challenging terrain which a pneumatic tired forklift would not traverse. The most visible feature on the rough terrain lift truck is its oversized, aggressive treaded tires. This tire design enables the equipment to travel soft, bumpy or muddy terrain without getting stuck. There are various rough terrain unit lift trucks that are 4-wheel drive also. The rough terrain lift truck falls into a Class 7 forklift.
The unique and high quality nature of the rough terrain forklifts have become accepted and popular throughout North America. These machines have earned a positive reputation and have become the machinery of choice, gaining a strong following from a variety of industries and companies.
4-wheel drive forklifts are very well accepted by many local markets. These machinery are common 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 forklifts are really popular to see at any particular local building supply store.
Multi-purpose forklifts are utilized by many businesses such as: recycling industries, agriculture, shipbuilding and sod farming businesses. Within the lumber and mining industries where space is really limited and often a problem, extremely compact forklift models are used.
Over 60 years ago, the rough terrain forklift was invented 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. Nowadays, these heavy industrial machines are common sights on construction projects and in lumberyards.
The rough terrain lift truck has become a much bigger part of the material handling business. These kinds of machinery are have endured a rough economic climate, especially for vehicles that have military or farming 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 select from. Furthermore, there are various rough terrain telehandlers on the market, with over 25 different brands. In addition, various top corporations like for instance JLG and Manitou manufacture both kinds of equipment.
These 4-wheel drive equipment are suited for the harshest of environments. These types of equipment handle well in all kinds of weather and are able to carry out the hardest tasks easily.