Crucial Distinctions in Rough Terrain Forklifts

A rough terrain forklift is designed especially to make material and merchandise handling possible in practically any type of terrain. Yet that doesn't mean that all rough terrain forklifts are just the same. In fact, there are a number of different styles available today. If you are considering investing in a rough terrain forklift for your business, read on. This article will acquaint you with three of the different varieties currently available.

Straight Mast Rough Terrain Forklifts

Straight mast rough terrain lifts are the most closely related to conventional forklifts in both appearance and functionality. Yet a straight mast forklift is capable of things that a standard forklift couldn't even dream of. That's because to the basic functionality of a regular forklift has been added a much greater post tension, as well as the maneuverability of an all terrain vehicle.

A straight mast forklift has axles designed for traversing even the rockiest of ground, and large, puncture-resistant tires that provide it with the maximum degree of grip. They also come with pneumatic suspension—a feature that helps to minimize operator discomfort and chances of injury.

Telehandler

A telehandler represents a full-blown departure from conventional forklift design. Lifting is no longer accomplished by means of forks and mast. Instead, the back of a contains a hinged arm that is capable of extending forward over the machine to a distance as great as 56 feet. By passing over the body of the machine, this lift system helps to maintain a safe center of gravity, while also allowing it to reach heights that a regular forklift could only dream of.

The cutting-edge features of telehandlers don't stop there, however. Because these machines are often operated on sloping ground, their steering wheels are fully tilt adjustable--a fact that increases both user comfort and ease of operation. Both the lift arm and its hydraulic extension system are operated by means of a single joystick, making it easier for the operator to adjust the lifting arm while moving.

Rotating Telehandler

A rotating telehandler increases the range of motion of a regular telehander even farther. Here both the lift arm and the cab itself are mounted on top of a base that is capable of moving a full 360 degrees. As you can imagine, this allows the telehander to greatly increase its potential reach--all without having to move from its current position. This is especially beneficial when working on rocky or uneven terrain where turning the forklift around represents a potentially dangerous scenario.

To learn more about forklifts, contact companies like U.S. Lift & Warehouse Equipment Inc.

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