Buying a Rough Terrain Forklift vs a Standard Forklift: Which One is Better?

There are many factors to consider when deciding which type of forklift is best for your business. Rough terrain forklifts and standard forklifts both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh up all the options before deciding. After all, when procuring equipment for your business’ operations, knowing the true value that a rough terrain forklift to buy can offer can impact your bottom line. Here we compare rough terrain forklifts and standard forklifts, so you can confidently choose which one works best as the solution to your problems.

The Advantages of Owning a Rough Terrain Forklift vs a Standard Forklift

There are many advantages to owning a rough terrain forklift for your business. Rough terrain forklifts are designed to handle tough, off-road conditions, so they’re perfect for businesses that operate in outdoor or remote locations. Meanwhile, standard forklifts are designed for indoor use on smooth, level surfaces. This makes them less versatile than rough terrain forklifts and not ideal for businesses that operate in outdoor or remote locations – which can often feature cracked or jagged ground. Rough terrain forklifts can also reach higher elevations than standard forklifts, making them suitable for businesses that need to move materials or products to high shelves or shelves in hard-to-reach places. Standard forklifts, on the other hand, might have some trouble reaching as high as rough terrain forklifts, and are only able to access shelves that are within their lifting range. Rough terrain forklifts are also built to lifted heavier loads than standard forklifts, so they’re ideal for businesses that need to move heavy materials or equipment around. And lastly, one other advantage of rough terrain forklifts is that they’re less likely to tip over than standard forklifts, so they’re safer to use in precarious situations. As opposed to a standard forklift, a rough terrain forklift is the better option for businesses that:

• Operate in outdoor or remote locations
• Need to move heavy materials or equipment around
• Want a safer and more stable forklift

The Disadvantages of Owning a Rough Terrain Forklift vs a Standard Forklift

There are some disadvantages to owning a rough terrain forklift for your business. Rough terrain forklifts are generally more expensive than standard forklifts, so they may not be an affordable option for some businesses to own just yet. Standard forklifts are known for being less costly than rough terrain forklifts, so they may be a better option for businesses that need a forklift they can rely on during tough financial seasons. How so? Well, rough terrain forklifts also require more maintenance than standard forklifts and are not as easy to repair if they break down. This is because rough terrain forklifts are designed for tough, off-road conditions and need to withstand more wear and tear. Rough terrain forklifts are also less manoeuvrable than standard forklifts, so they’re not ideal for businesses that need to move materials or equipment around in tight spaces. But this isn’t to say that rough terrain forklifts are a challenge to turn or drive, as there are nimbler and faster models today. And finally, a disadvantage of rough terrain forklifts for some businesses is that they’re not as widely available as standard forklifts, so it may be difficult to find a model that’s suitable for your business needs. When compared to standard fork trucks, rough terrain forklifts are:

• More expensive
• Less manoeuvrable
• Less widely available

So, Which Type of Forklift to Buy is Best for Your Business? The type of forklift that’s best for your business depends on a handful of factors, including your budget, the space you have available, and the types of materials or equipment you need to move around. And when it comes to choosing between a rough terrain forklift and a standard forklift, it really hinges on your business needs. If you operate in an outdoor site with challenging terrain, then purchasing a rough terrain forklift would be the better option. However, if you’re looking for an affordable forklift that is easy to get your hands on, then a standard forklift is likely the better choice. If you’re still unsure which type of forklift is best for your business, we recommend speaking to one of our experts at Rough Terrain Forklifts. We can help you choose the right forklift for your business and give you a free quote. Get in touch with us today or fill out our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!