Rough terrain vehicles are used primarily to handle stacks of wood, pallets of concrete blocks and other handling jobs on surfaces that are not paved. These types of equipment are designed to work in extreme environments.
It is common for a variety of heavy-duty rough terrain lift truck models to have the ability to lift several tonnes at the same time. These types of equipment are the perfect application for heavy work. Rough terrain forklifts are offered in a variety of designs. They are available with 4 wheel crab steering, 2 wheel steering and 4 wheel steering.
Normally, these machines are powered by an internal combustion engine, usually diesel. This fuel choice gives the machinery the power it needs for speed and acceleration.
A Brief History
During the latter part of the 1950s the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was launched by Manitou. They started their manufacturing process in Ancenis, France. Not long after, during the 1960s, the first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift was introduced. This model changed the way supplies were handled in crowded construction sites, especially places where conventional models of industrial products were not being used.
In the past three decades, various improvements have been made on the telescoping boom and on the automatic hydraulic frame. These updated designs have really enhanced load capacity and stability. Many enhancements of safety features have transformed this materials handling option into a really important tool.
The rough terrain forklift is used in many important industries like farming, mining, construction and military applications. Certain models of rough terrain lift trucks could be utilized on every surface, paved and rough. These units are known as all-terrain lift trucks. This specific equipment could transport things from outside waiting transportation to within the factory and vice versa.
To ensure that the lift truck could be used in a huge variety of outdoor applications, they are equipped with deep tread tires. They can successfully operate on slippery, rough or uneven surfaces. The large pneumatic tires can travel easily over snow, mud, rocks, wood, sand and ice.
4 wheel drive lift trucks have helped to revolutionize the market and are here to stay. By keeping up your maintenance schedule, your forklift can serve you for many years to come. These kinds of machines need to be taken care of and inspected on a daily basis, specially when they are working outdoors in difficult and dirty applications.