All-terrain forklifts are designed for rough, unpaved conditions and have large tires with deep treads. They were first introduced in the mid-1940s and have since been upgraded with increased load capacity and telescopic arms. Some models can reach a height of 35 feet and have enclosed cabs for operator protection. Some rough terrain forklifts can also be used on paved floors.
Many people may not know that there are two classifications for forklifts in the manufacturing world. One is the industrial model and the other is the offroad forklift. Rough terrain forklifts look a little different from industrial models and are designed to operate in rough, unpaved conditions.
The first appearance of all-terrain forklifts dates back to the mid-1940s. Unlike their industrial cousins, these forklifts were primarily designed for use on rough surfaces. This made the units ideal for working around construction sites, moving materials in lumber yards and generally providing lifting power when a paved surface was not available.
All-terrain forklifts are characterized by their large tires, usually with deep treads that allow the vehicle to hold on to the roughest road or terrain without slipping or sliding. Typically, cars use an internal combustion engine with a battery for power. The engine may be designed to use regular gasoline, diesel, or propane fuel. Some manufacturers are starting to introduce models that run on ethanol made from plant matter.
Some early all-terrain forklifts had the ability to lift over 1,000 pounds (453.5 kg), using blades that could slide under the object, lift it slightly, and move it to another location. In the first ten years, these machines were upgraded with increased hauling power, increasing the potential load to over 2,000 pounds (907 kg). Telescopic arms were added in the 1960s, allowing them to stack materials much higher than in years past. The telescopic function remains a staple of most models today.
Continuous improvements over the years have improved the load capacity of these forklifts, with many models today capable of handling well over 4,000 pounds (1814.3 kg). Telescope capability has also improved, with some units capable of reaching a height of 35 feet (10.6 m). Operator protection has also become more important, with many lift trucks now featuring a small enclosed cab for the driver, rather than the old open-air seat.
Some rough terrain forklifts are marketed as all terrain forklifts. In addition to working well on unpaved surfaces, these models can also be used without difficulty on paved floors. This allows a unit to be used to transport materials from an outside work area to a warehouse or other finite space.
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