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How to Select the Right Rough Terrain Forklift

Jul. 29 2022 News By FMH Team

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Selecting the right rough terrain forklift is mostly a question of power. How hard does the truck need to work?

Using an overpowered forklift risks an accident. Using an underpowered forklift can cause slowdowns. Neither situation's good for worker safety. Especially when operating outdoors.

When it comes to rough terrain, it's important to match the power to the job. So, let's clarify the differences between a 2WD and a 4WD rough terrain forklift.


2-Wheel or 4-Wheel Drive?

While most rough terrain forklifts have larger tires on their front wheels, the difference comes in which wheels receive power from the engine.

  • A 2WD Rough Terrain forklift has front-wheel drive. While this is less motive power, it means 2WDs have a longer operating distance than 4WDs. That is, they can go farther, longer.
  • A 4WD Rough Terrain has four-wheel drive. Allowing the forklift to tackle numerous terrains with ease.

What about maximum load? In this there's no real difference. A 2WD can haul anything a 4WD can—brick, lumber, steel, stone, agricultural product, and much more.


Rough Terrain Forklift Applications

Given these differences, when should you use a 2-wheel rough terrain? When you have a stable outdoor surface.

Good locations for a 2WD would be:

  • Cargo yards
  • Ports
  • Flat-level construction projects

How about uses for a 4-wheel rough terrain? When you have hilly/uneven terrain. 4WD Rough Terrains work best where you have no roads, or sand/gravel roads where a 2WD could slip.

Good locations for a 4WD would be:

  • Hilly/uneven construction yards
  • Forestry
  • Agriculture


Equipment Prices – Less Difference than You Might Expect

What about price?

Rough Terrains are heavy equipment, so you should expect to pay more than a traditional forklift.

4WDs will cost approximately $9,000 more than a 2WD model, due to their greater mobility and control. Balancing thousands of pounds as you navigate dirt paths takes extra mobility (and extra fuel).

Beyond that, the only real factor affecting price is maximum capacity. Rough Terrains range from 4,000lb to 7,000lb capacity.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Heli is working on rough terrains with 8,000-10,000lb capacity as you read this. We expect release by summer of next year.


Choose the Rough Terrain with the Right Amount of Power for Your Team

Outside of warehousing & distribution, the rough terrain forklift shines. All you need to do is select the truck that best matches your power needs.

FMH has 2WD and 4WD rough terrains in stock now. If this is the power your team needs?

Call your local FMH office to get it:

  • Denver - 800-451-6749
  • Albuquerque - 800-325-7669
  • El Paso - 800-592-1035