An ITA Class VII forklift with pneumatic tires designed for outdoor and uneven surfaces.
Detailed Definition
A rough terrain forklift is built to work outdoors on unpaved, uneven or soft ground, such as construction sites, lumber yards, farms and building supply yards. It falls in Class VII of the industry lift truck classes. Typical features are large, deep-tread pneumatic tires, high ground clearance, a heavy frame and usually a diesel engine, often with four-wheel drive. Class VII covers vertical mast machines and variable reach machines, commonly called telehandlers, which use a telescoping boom.
How it differs from a warehouse forklift
An indoor counterbalanced forklift runs on cushion or smaller pneumatic tires on smooth floors. A rough terrain truck is built for ground that would bog down or tip an indoor machine. It is larger and heavier, and it is not suited to tight aisles or indoor use where exhaust is a concern. Some yards use both: rough terrain trucks outside and indoor trucks in the building.
Handling pallets on rough ground
- Travel with the load low and tilted back, and slow down on slopes and bumps.
- Check that pallets are strong enough for the shock loads of yard travel; light one-way pallets can break.
- Stack pallets in the yard on firm, level ground.
- Use the correct capacity chart; for telehandlers capacity changes with boom angle and extension.
Regulations and training
In general industry, rough terrain forklifts are powered industrial trucks covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, including operator training and evaluation. On construction sites, OSHA's construction standards in 29 CFR Part 1926 apply, including the material handling equipment rules. Operators should be trained on the specific machine type.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a telehandler a rough terrain forklift?
In the common industry classification, yes. Class VII rough terrain trucks include vertical mast machines and variable reach machines, which are usually called telehandlers. A telehandler uses a telescoping boom instead of a mast, so it can reach forward and up, for example onto a roof or over an obstacle. Its capacity depends heavily on how far the boom is extended, so operators must read its load chart.
Can a rough terrain forklift be used indoors?
It is generally not a good idea. These machines are large, usually diesel powered, and designed for open outdoor areas. Indoors their exhaust can build up, and their size makes them hard to maneuver in aisles. Most operations use an electric or LP gas forklift indoors. If a rough terrain truck must enter a building, check ventilation, floor load limits and the manufacturer's guidance.