Outdoor work platforms & forklifts: Which machines for off-road use?

What You Need to Know

Unpaved terrain presents machines with real endurance tests.Anyone who works on loose ground – whether in quarries, solar parks or gravel pits – needs technology that not only reaches heights but also stands securely.Telescopic and articulated platforms with all-wheel drive, crawler platforms for soft ground and all-terrain telescopic forkliftsare among the devices that have proven themselves in the field. Crucial factors are: ground pressure, reach, weight – and the distance to the site.

Many operations fail before they even begin – due to underestimated access roads, lack of parking space or unsuitable machines.That’s why planning is needed:How is the delivery made? Who will operate the equipment? What are the installation conditions?And what many forget: The right rental company is part of the solution – not just the logistics. Because on gravel, it's not just technology that counts – experience also counts.

Unpaved terrain isn't an exception—it's a common occurrence in many industries: from maintenance in gravel pits to assembly and industrial operations on conveyor systems to construction in wind or solar farms. This is precisely where the distinction between what works in practice and what simply looks good on paper becomes apparent.

This article shows you which machines are really helpful on loose ground, gravel, clay, grass or slopes – and what you need to consider when selecting, transporting and using them.

What challenges does unpaved terrain pose?

Not sustainable , not level, not predictable.

Off-road industrial operations are characterized by two things: a lack of infrastructure and high demands . Often, several factors come together:

• Loose or wet ground , often with ruts, depressions or puddles
• Slopes and edges , e.g. on embankments, hollows, ramps
• Missing access roads , e.g. if only access by low-loader is available
• Dusty or muddy conditions that change daily depending on the weather
• Confined spaces , for example between silos, conveyor belts or stockpiles

• Work near power grids and transformer stations , often with changing ground and limited access for transport vehicles

Standard machines – whether platforms or forklifts – are often overwhelmed here. Not because of the technology, but because they are not prepared for the conditions.

Which machines work on unpaved ground?

Off-road work platforms

• Telescopic boom lifts with all-wheel drive and pendulum axle: Robust solutions for long reach, especially horizontally. High ground clearance, powerful drive, and excellent off-road capability.
• Articulated boom lifts with diesel or hybrid engines: Ideal for narrow, angled locations, such as under pipe bridges or between plants. Their compact design helps in tight construction areas.
• Crawler platforms: The solution for low ground pressure . They also work on gravel, wet clay, or grass. They can compensate for uneven terrain—important on slight slopes.

Off-road forklifts and telehandlers

• Telehandlers (fixed or rotating): Particularly proven for bulk material handling or for material transport in plant construction. High lifting heights, long reach – even over obstacles.
• Off-road forklifts with pneumatic tires and high wheelbase: Significantly more stable than industrial forklifts , often with all-wheel drive and differential lock.

  Can also be used reliably on uneven, partially loose or only partially load-bearing surfaces.

Important: Always choose the machine based on the worst point of the access and parking area – not on the ideal picture in the sun.

What is often underestimated in practice?

The delivery

Many operations fail before they even begin – because low-loaders can't unload or there's not enough space to maneuver. Check beforehand:

• Turning circle and maneuvering area for vans
• Ramp inclination when unloading (especially critical for articulated platforms)
• Load-bearing capacity of access roads (water-bound surfaces or gravel with weak points)

Precise delivery to the gravel plant: All-terrain articulated telescopic platform from BIBERGER on a low-loader – ready for use under demanding conditions.

The installation area

Not every seemingly "large area" is actually usable. Important:

• Check support width and basket reach
• Mark bumps or depressions
• If necessary, plan for underlay plates (also for self-propelled vehicles)

Which factors determine operational capability?

• Ground pressure: The larger the contact area of ​​the machine, the better the weight is distributed.
• Steering behavior and drive: All-wheel drive alone is not enough – what is important is a powerful, sensitive hydrostatic drive.
• Machine weight: Too heavy = sinking. Too light = unstable during lifting. The right amount counts.
• Lateral reach: On soft ground, it is better to work with a longer reach instead of constantly repositioning.

Safety: What you need to pay attention to on loose ground

Off-road means risk. Not because of the machine itself, but because of the environment. Therefore:

• Never set up without visually checking and checking its functionality – especially on gravel, lawns or embankments.
• Load distribution through plates, even with “only one wheel”.
• Basket swing and boom movement slow – instability due to rebound.
• Take wind into account – especially for large platforms or banner work.
• No driving movements with the boom extended on unstable ground.

The role of the landlord: More than delivery

A good landlord …

• checks access, weight and soil bearing capacity in advance
• recommends the right device – not just the largest
• provides plates, ramps and instructions
• delivers on time – even to construction sites in forests, quarries or solar parks

Tip: A landlord who really knows the terrain and machine behavior will recognize potential risks before they occur on the construction site.

Conclusion: Anyone who works in the field needs the right equipment

Unpaved ground isn't an excuse—it's a challenge. And it can be easily solved if you:

• realistically examine the operating conditions
• Select machines based on location – not wishful thinking
• work with a landlord who knows your area

The more difficult the terrain, the better the preparation must be.

Because in the end, what matters is not whether the stage is high enough – but whether it gets there safely at all.

About the author

Martin Biberger

Managing Director

Martin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thetechnical areaTogether with his team, he is responsible for thetechnical purchasingthe machines thatFurther development of the machine inventoryand the smooth operation of over 1,500 BIBERGER rental devices.

From many years of experience he knows theStrengths and weaknesses of all device classes, the possibleAreas of applicationand thetechnical possibilities– always with a view to theDevelopment of the entire industryand future innovations.