Rough terrain vehicles are used mainly to handle stacks of wood, pallets of concrete blocks and other handling jobs on surfaces that are not paved. These types of machines are made to work in extreme environments.
A lot of rough terrain forklift models are capable of lifting a few tonnes at the same time. These kinds of machinery are the perfect application for heavy work. Rough terrain lift trucks are offered in a variety of configurations. These are complete with 4 wheel crab steering, 2 wheel steering and 4 wheel steering.
These machines are typically powered by an internal combustion diesel engine. This kind of fuel gives the equipment the power it requires for speed and acceleration.
A Brief History
In the late 1950s the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was introduced by Manitou. They started their manufacturing process in Ancenis, France. Not long after, during the 1960s, the very first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck was introduced. This specific model transformed the way materials were handled in crowded construction sites, specially locations where traditional models of industrial products were not being used.
In the last thirty years, different improvements have been made on the telescoping boom and on the automatic hydraulic frame. These modernized designs have greatly improved load capacity and stability. A lot of improvements of safety features have transformed this materials handling alternative into a vital device.
The rough terrain forklift is used in many important industries like mining, farming, military and construction applications. Some models of rough terrain lift trucks can be utilized on every surface, paved and rough. These models are called all-terrain forklifts. This equipment can transport objects from outside waiting transportation to within the warehouse and vice versa.
Being outfitted with deep tread tires, helps ensure that the vehicle could be utilized in the majority of outdoor applications. They could successfully operate on slippery, rough or uneven surfaces. The large pneumatic tires are able to travel easily over snow, mud, rocks, wood, sand and ice.
These machines have changed the material handling industry. They are here to stay. By keeping up your maintenance schedule, your forklift could serve you for many years to come. These types of machines have to be checked and taken care of on a daily basis, specially when they are working outside in difficult and dirty applications.