Rough terrain forklifts (also known as all terrains) are extremely versatile machines that have numerous applications. Masted rough terrain forks can unload bricks and move them around a building site. Telescopic rough terrains can do the same and then place pallets up on upper levels of buildings. They can also move sand up and rubbish down using a general purpose bucket and have the ability to do the job of a bobcat. Buggy rough terrains are suitable for work in basements and low clearance areas.Manitou has the widest range of rough terrain two-wheel and four-wheel drive forklifts, with capacities ranging from 2-7 tonnes. Within the range there are semi-rough terrain hydrostatic forklifts (from 2-5t), two-wheel drive machines with diff lock and the full range in four-wheel drive. All machines are fitted with Perkins engines and load accumulators, which cushion the load while travelling.Flexilift Australia is now the Australia and New Zealand distributor for the Canada-made Sellick rough terrain forklifts. There are two main series available, the S Series, which is available as a two or four-wheel drive forklift, as well as the TMF 55 which is designed to be loaded onto the back of a truck or trailer.Flexilift’s Joe Femino told Contractor the company was pleased with how things have gone since they became involved with Sellick just over 12 months ago. “There is an interest out there, particularly with the mining sector doing as well as it is,” he said. “Because we are a forklift operator and essentially these are a materials handling piece of equipment, it does complement our range somewhat.”Sellick forklifts are designed to increase operator productivity by reducing fatigue, maximising visibility, enhancing safety and comfort. All controls, gauges and indicator lights are close at hand and easy to read to minimise operator stress and strain.Sellick machines are also available in a refurbished format if customers intend limited use or have budgetary concerns.A wide variety of customisable attachments are available, including hook, shaft and rotating carriages and forks. Case offers two rough terrain forklifts – the 586G and the 588G. The 586G has a lift capacity of 2722kg and offers easy-to-operate controls, a choice of seats, and operator compartment entry from either side. The bigger 588G offers a lift capacity of 3638kg and is known for its speed, strength and economy. Load control is available on all Case G Series forklifts for smooth operation and minimal chain stress for reduced maintenance costs. For safe material handling on the jobsite, the tapered hood and wide-channel dual-mast cylinders provide excellent visibility to the work area, while the compact, low profile design of the Case forklift adds to the machine’s overall stability. The 586G and 588G both have zero tail swing, a maximum width of 2.24m, and a 55-degree axle turn angle to provide a narrow turning radius. The forklifts have a fast maximum lift speed of 32m per minute. The roller mast design and self-adjusting wet disc brakes increase component life and reduce maintenance cost.Spain’s Agria rough terrain forklifts have made a good impression on the Australian market since their introduction by Adapt-A-Lift Forklift Rentals and Sales just over a year ago. The Agria is a robust four-wheel drive forklift with an advanced hydraulic system and soft tyres, which AAL says has proved to be popular with its customers.Three models are available, with lift capacities of 1600-3000kg and lift heights up to 6000mm. The machines are powered by either a Deutz or Perkins diesel engine. Driver comfort and ease of operation are important features of the Agria, while a high mounted driver’s cabin makes for better visibility.The forklifts are also equipped with hydrostatic transmission and steering, and a double service brake system. Sideshift is fitted as standard. AAL’s imports business manager Alicia Whiffen said: “It excels in any application from agricultural, mining and construction to working off the back of a brick truck.”Also from Spain, Ausa rough terrain forklifts are produced in 1500kg, 2000kg, 2500kg, 3000kg, 3500kg, 4000kg and 5000kg capacities. All machines other than the 2000kg machine (Isuzu diesel) run Kubota diesel engines and hydrostatic transmissions, and have joystick control. Each size is available in two and four-wheel drive variants, and a compact version of the 2000kg machine is available. – Neil Sherwin.
