How To Choose A Rough-Terrain Forklift

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The CASE 588H has a Tier 4 Final engine, 8,000-pound lifting capacity, and 60-degree mast tilt. (Photo courtesy of CASE.)

Rough-terrain forklifts, also known as “all-terrain forklifts,” are designed for outdoor use and have higher ground clearance than indoor models, which allows them to operate on uneven ground, on hills, or in ditches, making them popular for construction and agriculture. Rough-terrain forklifts come in telescopic and mast varieties; mast forklifts lift loads almost exclusively straight up and down, while telescopic models can extend outward; some have booms that can even swivel 360 degrees.

Size & Capacity

Rough-terrain forklifts are often larger than other forklift types, with pneumatic tires for higher ground clearance and better durability and traction; many models are available with four-wheel drive. Lift height ranges from 15 feet on the low end to 80 feet (and sometimes more) on the high end. Load capacities at maximum height vary. Some machines can only lift 50% of their capacity at full height. Rough-terrain forklifts come in a wide range of load capacities, from 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) on the low end to 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms) on the high end with a large portion falling in the 5,000- to 15,000-pound range.

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Sellick S150 with 15,000-pound load capacity. (Photo courtesy of Sellick.)

Engines

Engines on rough-terrain forklifts typically run from 74 to 78 horsepower (55 to 58 kilowatts) for mast models to upwards of 140 horsepower (104 kilowatts) for telescopic. Many newer models run on diesel-powered Tier 4-compliant engines to meet environmental regulations.

Industry-Specific Designs

Some forklifts, like the Sellick S150, are designed with particular industries in mind. The S150 features large-capacity axles and brakes to handle items such as lumber, steel, or auto salvage materials. Some manufacturers offer a range of mast sizes to accommodate different needs. For operating in tight areas, some models such as the CASE 588H have a narrow, zero-tail swing design, ensuring that if the rear tires clear, the rest of the machine will clear.

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The 8-ton JCB 940 has a 74-horsepower EcoMax engine, an 8,800-pound lift capacity, and several mast options. (Photo courtesy of JCB.)

Recent Upgrades

Newer features like clear-view masts, which have lift cylinders on the outside of the mast to provide an unobstructed view of the forks, make the forklifts easier and safer to operate. Other recent upgrades include shorter turning radii and forks that can raise without extending the mast to work in low-overhead spaces. Many cabs are now equipped with ergonomic features to increase operator comfort such as tilt steering, adjustable suspension seats, and more. Many optional items (such as side-shift carriages or additional lighting) can be added as well, and vary by manufacturer.

Buying A Rough-Terrain Forklift

When buying a used rough-terrain forklift, one important factor to keep in mind is how the machine was previously used as it can provide contextual information on the condition of the machine and may impact performance on the next project. You’ll find hundreds of new and used rough-terrain forklifts for sale every day at LiftsToday.com including popular brands like Sellick, Liftking, JCB, Manitou, and CASE.