What is an off-road forklift?

An all-terrain forklift is a forklift truck designed for outdoor use. It is suitable for transporting goods on gravel, mud, grass, or rocky surfaces. Unlike industrial forklifts, it usually has all-wheel drive, large tires with a rough tread, and can safely pick up and move loads even on uneven terrain.

What is the largest off-road forklift?

The largest series-produced off-road forklift comes from manufacturers such as Manitou , JCB or Combilift . Top models such as the Manitou M 100-4 or Combilift C14000 can handle loads of up to 14,000 kg . There are also special designs for heavy-duty applications with even higher load capacities – however, these are no longer part of the classic forklift segment.

What loads can a Manitou rough terrain forklift lift?

Manitou rough terrain forklifts cover a wide range. Depending on the model, the Load capacities between 2,000 and 7,000 kg . Lightweight models like the M 26-4 lift up to 2.6 tons, while the M 70-2 H can transport up to 7 tons – even on uneven ground.

How high can a Manitou rough terrain forklift lift?

The maximum lifting height of a Manitou off-road forklift is usually between 3.3 and 6 meters . Especially with telescopic versions, the lifting height can be significantly higher – e.g. Manitou MT or MRT series which is more than 10 meter lifting height However, these are already technically among the Telehandlers , no longer classic off-road forklifts.

What driving license do I need for a Manitou telehandler?

For driving a Manitou telehandler on a Company premises No classic driving license is required – but a Operator ID card for telehandlers (often referred to as a telehandler license) is required by law. This proof is mandatory according to DGUV Principle 308-009 and includes theory, practice and examination. When the telehandler is on to be moved on public roads , you also need a Driving license class L, T or C , depending on the size, speed and type of use of the machine.

What makes a forklift suitable for off-road use?

A forklift is considered off-road capable if it is specifically designed for use on unpaved, uneven or slippery floors is constructed. Several technical features are crucial: Coarse-tread pneumatic tires for traction on gravel, earth or mud High ground clearance to overcome edges, stones and bumps All-wheel drive or limited-slip differential for better off-road capability Stable frame and swing axles to compensate for uneven floors Powerful hydraulics to reliably lift and lower even on slopes Only the combination of these properties makes a forklift permanently and safely off-road capable – mere tire adjustments are not enough.

What is considered an off-road forklift? Features & differences explained

Q: What is considered an off-road forklift?

A off-road forklift is a forklift truck specifically designed for use on unpaved or difficult surfaces. Typical features include coarse-tread pneumatic tires , All-wheel drive , high ground clearance and a robust chassis It is designed for work on construction sites, in agriculture or on uneven industrial surfaces and is used where conventional industrial forklifts reach their limits.

Zusammenfassung

An off-road forklift is specially designed for use onunpaved, uneven or soft groundFeatures such ascoarse-tread pneumatic tires, all-wheel drive, high ground clearanceand arobust chassismake it ideal for construction sites, outdoor warehouses, or agricultural operations. Unlike industrial forklifts, it can move reliably even in mud, gravel, or uphill.

As soon as additional reach or large lifting heights are required, the telehandler comes into play – especially as a Roto version with a rotating upper carriage.Anyone who needs to move loads precisely over obstacles or unload them flexibly from side to side is better off with a telehandler. For pure material transport on challenging terrain, however, the rough terrain forklift remains the more robust and simpler choice.

Rough-terrain forklifts are used where conventional industrial forklifts quickly reach their limits . Unpaved surfaces, inclines, loose bulk materials, or changing terrain – moving pallets or materials here requires more than just load capacity. But when do you actually call it an rough-terrain forklift? And when might a telehandler (roto) be the better choice?

This article provides you with the answers – technically sound, practical, and clearly defined. Ideal for construction companies, material logistics, leasing, or procurement.

What makes an off-road forklift?

An off-road forklift isn't an industrial forklift with chunky tires—it's a distinct class of machine designed for off-road use. What matters is not just its looks, but also the combination of technical features that make it suitable for off-road use.

Features of an off-road forklift

A real off-road forklift is characterized by the following technical features:

Large diameter, coarse-tread pneumatic tires for maximum traction
All-wheel drive or differential-controlled rear axle for uneven ground
High ground clearance to drive over edges, stones or mud
Robust chassis and solid frame, partly with swing axle
Powerful hydraulic performance for fast movements under load
Optional: Weather protection cabin for outdoor use

These machines are built for outdoor use under real construction site conditions – with changing soils, inclines or uneven surfaces.

Typical applications for off-road forklifts

On the construction site

Whether it's shell construction, civil engineering, or large-scale assembly: wherever work is being carried out on gravel, earth, or unpaved surfaces, the rough-terrain forklift is often the first choice. It reliably transports building materials, formwork, precast concrete elements, or pallets to their destination – even with restricted access.

In industry

The off-road forklift can also demonstrate its advantages on industrial sites with poorly paved roads or large storage areas, especially when goods are regularly moved between the warehouse and the yard – for example, in metal processing, recycling, or sawmills.

In agriculture

Farmers and forestry companies are increasingly turning to off-road forklifts when they are looking for compact, high-capacity machines with stacking functions – without having to invest in large telescopic technology.

Off-road forklift or telehandler?

When it's not just about driving on loose ground, but also great reach or heights, so-called telehandlers – also called roto-telehandlers – come into play. They combine off-road capability with an extendable telescopic arm and can often also be rotated (roto).

When is a telehandler the better choice?

A telehandler is ideal when loads need to be lifted over obstacles or extended sideways – for example, when loading building materials onto multi-story structures, during facade construction, roof work, or when loading and unloading trucks from just one side.

For whom is a classic off-road forklift sufficient?

An all-terrain forklift is the right choice when it comes to robust handling on difficult terrain, but without the reach or height requirements of a telehandler.

When is it an off-road forklift?

feature	industrial forklifts	off-road forklift	Telehandler (Roto)
Underground	Paved floors (hall, asphalt)	Unpaved, gravel, mud, terrain	Unpaved, terrain & construction site
Tires	Solid rubber or super elastic	Coarse-tread pneumatic tires	Coarse-tread pneumatic tires (often larger)
Ground clearance	Low	High	Very high
drive	Rear-wheel drive (rarely all-wheel drive)	All-wheel drive or differential lock	All-wheel drive as standard
lifting system	Mast with lifting fork	Mast with lifting fork	Telescopic arm, optionally rotatable (Roto)
Reach / projection	Very limited	Limited	High, with lateral reach
Rotating superstructure	No	No	Yes (Roto)
Typical use	Internal logistics, warehouse, industry	Construction site, outdoor storage, recycling	Assembly, building construction, facades, special logistics
Operation	Simply	Easy to medium	More complex, often with instruction
Price level / rent	Cheap	Medium	Higher (depending on equipment)

Rent an off-road forklift – stay flexible with changing requirements

Especially in the construction industry or in seasonal businesses, it rarely makes sense to keep an all-terrain forklift on hand. The need is too project-dependent, and requirements fluctuate too much.

Renting offers maximum flexibility : You get exactly the equipment you need for your current application – with the right tires, equipment, and load capacity. Your rental partner takes care of maintenance, transport, and return. This reduces investment risks and keeps you up to date with the latest technology.

At BIBERGER, you can choose from a variety of off-road forklift models, including those from Manitou , ranging from compact all-rounders to powerful heavy-duty models. Upon request, we can also advise you on the question: "Forklift or telehandler – which is better suited to your project?"

Conclusion: Who needs which forklift – and why?

An off-road forklift isn't a specialized piece of equipment, but rather a robust solution for real-world problems: difficult terrain, changing construction sites, and spontaneous material logistics. It's powerful, off-road capable, and easy to operate – especially when it's "just" about transport.

If you need additional reach, height or lateral positioning, you are better off with a telehandler (Roto) – for example in building construction, facade work or assembly work with changing approach points.

Whether you need an all-terrain or telehandler, the right choice always depends on the application. And that's exactly where we support you: with practical advice, suitable rental equipment, and technology that works – on any surface.