Most types of forklift are particularly designed to operated within retail store or warehouse environment. These kinds of forklifts have very effective engines but do not have much heft and their tires are meant only to operate on smooth surfaces. These types of forklift are not meant to be taken off a paved surface. Forklifts which are usually used on construction sites must be designed to handle rough terrain. Luckily, forklift companies generally make at least one brand that fits within the rough terrain category. When selecting a rough terrain forklift, you have to consider the following information:
Though electric engines are less expensive to run and more environmentally friendly, they don't have what is required to traverse uneven terrain and to get through piles of dirt. Gas engines are usually utilized for rough terrain forklifts. A gas engine provides adequate power for driving up inclines and driving over obstacles. Speed is one more factor in the choice for a gas engine. Lumber yards and construction yards usually have big work areas and that means greater speed is necessary to effectively get around. Forklifts that are manufactured to be used indoors usually have slower speeds for operating within narrow spaces. You will be wasting a lot of time with a slow engine when operating outdoors.
Pneumatic tires are filled with air and made of rubber. This is the ideal kind of tires for driving over rough terrain since pneumatic tires are less likely to be damaged. They are not that different from the tires on a standard vehicle. Tires made for indoor applications are not meant for driving on surfaces that are uneven. Pneumatic tires are designed to reduce the likelihood of a tire puncture.