Rough terrain forklifts are used on uneven terrain such as outdoor construction sites, beach cleaning, road maintenance, shipyards. They are also used in lumberyards, landscaping, and other applications.
Rough terrain forklifts feature pneumatic tires and a combustion engine, which makes them ideal for handling uneven surfaces. They also feature all-wheel drive and large flotation tires. The tires feature solid molded steel rims and a solid center, making them durable and puncture-resistant. They also have a deeper tread that provides solid grip on flat or uneven surfaces. However, because they are solid, they can give the operator a rougher ride than air- or foam-filled pneumatic tires.
Rough terrain forklifts are designed to travel over uneven terrain, just like a regular warehouse forklift in some respects. Functionally, they are very similar. Each one has forks, tires, cab controls, safety mechanisms, how the whole thing works. But rough terrain lifts are designed to handle a variety of surfaces, not to mention variable outdoor conditions. There are three main types: truck/trailer mounted, variable reach, and vertical mast lifts. Try looking for them next time you pass a road construction site.
Rough terrain forklifts are suitable for a variety of surfaces. These powerful machines can tackle roads, beaches and construction sites with ease. Workers use these forklifts to transport heavy loads on uneven surfaces. The tires are designed for easy maneuvering over rough terrain, making the forklift more capable and safer to use.
This type of lift features large, oversized wheels and heavy-duty forks. The rugged powertrain is designed to handle heavy loads, sometimes exceeding 7,000 pounds, while protective cab accessories help workers stay safe in any weather condition. That's why OSHA classifies them as Class VII.
Next time you drive by a road construction site, try looking for an off-road forklift. They are also common on construction sites as they help move materials into place.
In the OSHA forklift classification, rough terrain forklifts and rough terrain forklifts belong to Class VII.
Field trucks are similar to regular Class I and II forklifts. However, extra care is required due to the following variables:
●terrain track
●weather
●Load size
●Other equipment and vehicles nearby
●Special OSHA safety standards for rough terrain forklifts
One important factor to note with this type of lift: According to OSHA's own Rough Terrain Forklift Electronic Tool: "The term 'rough terrain' does not mean that a forklift can be safely operated on every conceivable type of terrain." It's important to research the route before starting. While these forklifts can maneuver smoothly over uneven terrain, the dimensions must be kept in mind. Due to the large size of rough terrain forklifts, encountering obstacles can become challenging. Walking the road before driving can help you spot obstacles that may negatively affect your route. Slow and steady travel ensures operators and their cargo arrive safely at their destination.
Lifting, maneuvering, and more are common with regular lifts, but given the often hazardous conditions of working outdoors, your crew must be properly trained and certified to operate these special lifts. Without certification, OSHA could fine your company thousands of dollars!
Rough Terrain Certification Requirements
All rough terrain forklift operators must be certified before beginning work. All Class VII (rough terrain and off-road forklifts) comply with OSHA standard 1910.178, but most companies lack the in-house expertise to understand all the details of the guidance, let alone create training courses and rules based on changing safety data.
With our training kits, we'll help your employees stay up to date on the latest OSHA information for rough terrain forklifts. Typical FLC courses for rough terrain lifts include, but are not limited to:
●outdoor driving
●Safety precautions on construction sites
●Navigate over rough terrain
●safe driving speed
●Rough Terrain Forklift Operator Requirements
●Use security controls
●Inspection and maintenance
