Nearly all kinds of forklift are particularly designed to used in warehouse or retail store settings. These kinds of forklifts have really efficient engines but do not have much heft and their tires are meant only to run on surfaces which are smooth. These kinds of forklift are not meant to be taken off a smooth surface. Forklifts that are normally used on construction sites need to be designed to handle rough terrain. Fortunately, forklift companies generally produce at least one brand which fits within the rough terrain category. When choosing a rough terrain forklift, you must think about the following information:
Though electric engines are cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly, they don't have what it takes to traverse uneven terrain and to get through piles of dirt. Gas engines work best for rough terrain forklifts. A gas engine provides adequate power for driving over obstacles and driving up slopes. Speed is one more factor in choosing a gas engine. Construction sites and lumber yards normally have large work areas and that means greater speed is necessary to efficiently get around. Forklifts intended for indoor applications usually have slower speeds for operating in narrow spaces. You cannot afford to waste time utilizing a slow engine when operating outdoors.
Pneumatic tires are made of rubber and filled with air. This is the ideal type of tires for driving over rough terrain as pneumatic tires are less likely to be damaged. They are not that different from the tires used on a regular vehicle. Tires made for indoor applications are not meant for driving on uneven surfaces. Pneumatic tires are designed to reduce the chance of a tire puncture.