What is a rough terrain forklift?
A rough terrain forklift is built to work outdoors on yards, construction sites and uneven ground rather than on a smooth warehouse floor. You may also see them called all terrain or 4x4 forklifts. The main choices are drive type and power.
Our range covers both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). A 4WD truck drives all four wheels, which generally gives more traction on loose, soft or wet ground. 2WD is usually chosen for firmer, more even outdoor surfaces. Power is either battery-electric or IC (internal combustion).
Jobs and sites that suit a rough terrain truck
Surfaces, slopes and how the ground behaves in wet weather all affect whether 2WD will do or 4WD is the better choice. We cover this at the specification and survey stage.
Rough terrain trucks suit work where loads move across open ground rather than racking aisles, such as:
- Timber yards and builders' merchants
- Construction sites, where the ground changes as the job progresses
- Farms and agricultural stores
- Outdoor storage yards, depots and loading areas with mixed surfaces
Choosing between 2WD and 4WD, electric and diesel
Capacities run from 1,800 kg to 3,500 kg, and the FE2RT and FD2/4RT spec tables give capacity at a 500 mm load centre. If access is tight, compare widths: 1,450 mm on the FE2RT and FD4RT25, up to 1,600 mm on the 3,500 kg diesel versions.
For the trade-offs between battery and engine power, read our guide to lithium, lead-acid and diesel forklifts. If most of your site is hard-surfaced, it may also be worth looking at our diesel and LPG forklifts.
The three models compare as follows:
- Electric rough terrain forklift, 2WD (FE2RT18/25): 1,800 kg or 2,500 kg, each with a lithium-ion or lead-acid battery. 1,450 mm wide and 2,850 mm to 2,871 mm long without forks. The option if you want battery power rather than an engine.
- Diesel rough terrain forklift, 2WD or 4WD (FD2/4RT25-35): 2,500 kg or 3,500 kg in either drive type (FD2RT25, FD2RT35, FD4RT25, FD4RT35), with an extended mast height (with backrest) of 4,170 mm or 4,300 mm.
- 4WD rough terrain forklift, IC (FTH25-30N 4WD): 2,500 kg or 3,000 kg across three versions, with a 3,250 mm outside turning radius and a listed lifting speed of 450 mm/s.
Buying through Pristine Material Handling
Pristine Material Handling is an authorised Noblelift dealer and part of Pristine Group. Every rough terrain forklift for sale on this page is a new Noblelift model and part of our wider forklift range. Request a quote or call 0131 605 0238, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Buying runs in four steps:
- Enquire: tell us what you lift, how high and over what ground
- Specification and survey, remotely or with a site visit
- A written quotation with the full specification
- UK-wide delivery, and handover with operator familiarisation
