What Forklifts Are Good For Dirt, Gravel & Mud?
What to consider when buying a forklift for outdoor applications
Both farms and warehouses are two of the more frequent locations our customers find themselves needing to use a forklift in. From space to terrain, each location has various factors that determine what types of forklifts can be used. In outdoor terrains, they offer more space which can result in a larger forklift being able to be used but they also offer uneven terrains such as mud, gravel and sand. In this article, we break down what fuel sources and tyres are best suited for working on outdoor terrains such as gravel, grass and various other uneven surfaces.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Any customers working on softer terrains such as mud or sand should invest in a Rough Terrain Forklift. These forklifts have a raised chassis to help them through areas where the wheels may sink somewhat on the surface. They also have large pneumatic tyres which provide them with some give when navigating the tough terrains. Unlike other forklifts as well, they come with options for 2WD or 4WD, making them even more versatile. Whilst there are other options when it comes to grass or gravel terrains, Rough Terrain Forklifts are the main choice when it comes to customers who work on muddy and sandy terrains. The only instance where a customer may be advised against a Rough Terrain Forklift is if they need the forklift to enter a shed while working outdoors. These forklifts are quite tall so it is vital that the customer knows what heights they will be working with to ensure they find the right forklift. If height does present an issue, then diesel forklifts are also able to work as a suitable replacement.
Tyres
When it comes to Tyre options for an outdoor forklift, pneumatic tyres are the only option. Solid rubber tyres will possibly be able to get some grip on the surface if they are grooved but they will struggle to work on any uneven terrains. The rubber lacks any leeway when working on uneven terrains which will present an issue for customers working outdoors. The pneumatic tyres provide a level of give which can help the forklifts to maneuver the more uneven terrains. While there are options for different fuel sources to be used, pneumatic tyres are the only viable option when working outdoors.
Fuel Source
Diesel and LPG Forklifts have always been suited to outdoor applications while Electric Forklifts were created for warehouse use only. With Lithium Electric Forklifts, however, they can now be used outside in all conditions as well. Both the Lithium Electric Forklifts and LPG Forklifts are perfectly capable of navigating relatively flat gravel and grass terrains, but Diesel Forklifts offer more power when navigating terrains that may be sloped, angled or slightly softer. Each fuel source (excluding standard electrics) can therefore be used on gravel terrains with the addition of Diesel Forklifts being able to provide more power when it comes to sloped or uneven terrains.
Each customer will have a slightly altered application as to how they will want to use their forklift, which is why we offer various options in both fuel sources and capacities when customers approach us. When working outdoors, Rough Terrain Forklifts should be the first option for any customer who wants to work on muddy, sandy or similar terrains. Diesel Forklifts can also be a suitable option for these customers as well but lack the advantage of having a raised chassis and larger pneumatic tyres. For other outdoor terrains such as grass or gravel, LPG and electric are both suitable for those surfaces as well. In terms of tyres, only pneumatic tyres should be considered when purchasing a forklift for outdoor applications. As mentioned previously, however, each customer application is always different so it is important to consult with your sales representative first on what requirements you will need.