Rough Terrain Forklifts
Where standard counterbalance forklifts are not engineered to operate over rough terrain, all-terrain forklifts are specifically engineered to operate in difficult conditions where rough terrain or limited access defeats other forklifts.
This week’s blog looks at the advantages rough terrain forklifts (RTFL’s) can offer to owners particularly in the mining, agriculture and construction industries.
All-Terrain Forklift Advantages
Larger Tyres
Unlike standard forklifts, RTFL’s are fitted with heavy duty pneumatic tyres, specifically designed for rough terrain operation. The larger sized tyres provide the necessary added support and stability to the unit’s larger chassis when operating over uneven terrain. The large tyres also provide extra traction when operating in wet conditions and on uneven terrain.
Higher Ground Clearance
Standard forklifts have little ground clearance as they are predominantly operated on solid smooth surfaces such as concrete floors. RTFL’s have higher ground clearance allowing greater articulation and easier movement across uneven ground without grounding, damaging undercarriage or bogging the unit.
Diesel Engines
Advancements in fuel technologies has led to a proliferation of different fuel types for standard similar sized forklifts including LPG, and battery electric units. RTFL forklifts are fitted with diesel engines to provide the extra power necessary to operate over rough terrain whilst carrying heavy loads.
4 x 4 Wheel Drive
Most standard forklifts are 2 wheel-drive, whilst RTFL forklifts are switchable between 2 wheel and full 4 wheel-drive. When operating over rough terrain operating in full 4 wheel drive reduces tyre wear, fuel consumption and general wear and tear on the unit.
Superior Slope Navigation
RTFL forklifts are able to navigate slopes with gradients of up to 38% offering superior operation over rough terrain.
The AUSA 4x4 forklift range
AUSA rough terrain forklifts are exceptionally compact, powerful and versatile. Their reduced size and small turning radius give them excellent manoeuvrability on the toughest and steepest terrains. Add to this their exceptional capacity to move a large volume of very heavy loads and we can safely say that these are highly versatile vehicles that provide outstanding performance when moving goods.
This blog post has demonstrated the advantages an all-terrain forklift can offer when compared to a standard forklift.
W Hall – The Forklift Centre supply and maintain RTFL’s from leading manufacturers including new rough terrain forklifts from Ausa and used machines from Ausa, JCB and Manitou.
To find out more about RTFL machines from W Hall contact us here
