All terrain forklifts are essential for industries that demand rugged, high-performing equipment. They handle outdoor environments easily and excel on uneven surfaces, such as construction sites, farms, and mining operations.

In this article, we’ll answer the question "What is an all terrain forklift?", explore its key features, and compare it with standard forklifts. We’ll also discuss its advantages and applications to help you choose the right forklift for your needs.

What Is an All Terrain Forklift?

An “all terrain forklift”, also called a rough-terrain forklift, is built for tough outdoor conditions. It can handle uneven ground, such as gravel, mud, and slopes.

Key Features of All Terrain Forklifts

Large pneumatic tyres: These tyres provide excellent grip and stability on rough surfaces.
High ground clearance: Allows the forklift to navigate uneven terrain without damage.
Robust engines: Often diesel-powered, these engines deliver the strength needed for heavy lifting in tough conditions.
Enhanced stability: Specially designed frames and counterweights ensure stability even on steep inclines.
Operator comfort: Cabins often include ergonomic seats, weather protection, and advanced controls.

Did you know? In Australia, all terrain forklifts are part of the plant and equipment vehicle category, which, along with caravans and trailers, makes up 4.7 million registered vehicles as of January 2023.

How Is an All Terrain Forklift Different From a Standard Forklift?

All terrain forklifts and standard forklifts are designed for different environments and tasks. Here’s a detailed comparison of their features and uses:

Feature	All Terrain Forklifts	Standard Forklifts
Design and Build	Use rugged, oversized frames with high ground clearance to handle challenging environments.	They stay compact and manoeuvrable, making them ideal for confined spaces like warehouses.
Tyres	Use pneumatic tyres that provide excellent traction and absorb shocks on rough surfaces.	Use smaller, solid, or cushioned tyres designed for flat, hard floors.
Power and Engine	Rely on diesel engines that deliver higher torque for heavy-duty outdoor tasks.	Operate with electric or smaller gas engines, ensuring efficiency and quiet indoor use.
Load Capacity	Handle heavier loads efficiently on unstable terrain.	Lift lighter loads with precision on smooth surfaces.
Applications	Work best in construction, mining, agriculture, and other outdoor industries.	Perform well in warehouses, retail, and manufacturing facilities.

Advantages of Using an All Terrain Forklift Truck

An all terrain forklift truck offers numerous benefits, particularly for outdoor projects:

1. Versatility

All terrain forklifts perform well in a variety of outdoor conditions, from rocky construction sites to muddy agricultural fields. Their ability to adapt makes them invaluable for industries that operate in unpredictable environments.

2. Durability

The durable design handles tough workloads and extreme weather, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.

3. Manoeuvrability

All terrain forklift trucks feature advanced steering systems and flexible designs that enable them to navigate tight spaces or challenging terrain. This makes them suitable for confined work sites or uneven landscapes.

4. Safety

All terrain forklifts include features that enhance safety for operators and bystanders. Their larger tyres, stable frames, and advanced braking systems reduce the risk of accidents, even on unstable surfaces.

5. Efficiency

With powerful engines and high ground clearance, these forklifts complete tasks faster and with fewer interruptions. This efficiency translates to cost savings for businesses.

Common Applications of All Terrain Forklifts

All terrain forklifts are indispensable in industries that require heavy lifting in challenging conditions. Here are some of their most common applications:

1. Construction

Construction sites often have uneven surfaces, slopes, and loose materials like gravel or sand. All terrain forklifts transport materials safely and efficiently in these conditions, making them essential for building projects.

2. Mining

Mining operations involve transporting heavy loads across rugged terrain. All terrain forklifts easily handle this industry's demands and offer durability and reliability.

3. Agriculture

Farms and agricultural sites often have uneven ground and require equipment that can handle heavy loads. All terrain forklifts are perfect for transporting hay bales, machinery, and other materials.

4. Energy and Renewables

From wind farms to oil fields, the energy sector relies on all terrain forklifts to move equipment and materials in remote locations.

5. Outdoor Events

All terrain forklifts are also used to set up outdoor events, transporting heavy equipment like stages, lighting rigs, and tents.

Learn more: Are Forklifts Manual or Automatic? What Are The Differences?

Choosing Between an All Terrain and a Standard Forklift

When deciding which forklift is right for your needs, consider the following factors:

Environment: A standard forklift is suitable for indoor or flat surfaces. For outdoor or rough terrain, choose an all terrain forklift.
Load requirements: An all terrain forklift offers the power and stability needed to lift heavy or bulky items.
Frequency of use: A standard forklift may suffice for occasional, light-duty tasks. However, for regular heavy-duty use, invest in an all-terrain forklift.
Budget: While all terrain forklifts may have higher upfront costs, their durability and efficiency provide long-term value.

Spotlight on the Hammer All Terrain Forklift

The Hammer all terrain forklift easily handles rugged environments. Its reliable Yanmar diesel engine provides excellent performance and efficiency in challenging terrain.

Durable and Versatile

This forklift delivers exceptional traction and stability thanks to large-diameter, deep-tread tyres and a robust oscillating steer axle. Its compact, powerful design operates smoothly on uneven surfaces, making it perfect for various applications.

Enhanced Operator Comfort and Safety

With features like a full-floating seat, reduced vibration, and advanced wet brakes, the Hammer ensures a safe and comfortable experience. Newly developed LCD instrumentation simplifies operations by providing essential updates and fault codes for improved productivity.

Tools That Outlast the Job

All terrain forklifts transform outdoor work with durability, power, and safety, ensuring efficiency in tough conditions. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is an all terrain forklift?” Lift Equipt provides top-tier solutions built for performance and reliability, tailored to the demands of work in the North West.

Our expertly maintained equipment and support services ensure smooth operations. The right forklift depends on your needs, environment, and workload - and we’ll help you make the best call for your business.

Contact Lift Equipt today online or by calling 1300 44 44 22 for expert advice and premium forklifts.

What Is an All Terrain Forklift? How Is It Different From a Standard One?