Are Forklifts Able to Drive On Grass?

Forklifts are counted upon by business owners working in a variety of different industries. With this in mind, there are likely to be instances where forklifts will come across grassy terrain, but it can be difficult to determine exactly which forklifts can be navigated across grass. This is where we come in. In short, forklifts can be driven on grass as and when needed, but you need to choose the right model and follow various safety rules – let’s discuss the aforementioned things in this article.

Which forklift is more suited to driving on grass?

As a general rule of thumb, electric forklifts are to be used solely indoors, whereas LPG forklifts can be used both inside and outside, depending on the terrain it needs to navigate. It’s not recommended that you use LPG forklifts on grassy surfaces, unless it comes equipped with the right tyres. Another factor you will need to consider is the load it’s required to transport across the grass. Is the load heavy or light?

If it’s considerably weighty, then it’s advised against using an LPG forklift to carry heavy loads across grass, whereas a lighter load would make it across safely. To be doubly sure, people will often choose diesel forklifts to travel across grass as they’re the number one choice for outdoor operations. Much like with LPG forklifts, you need to make sure they have the right tyres fitted; something we’ll get onto now.

Which tyres are better for travelling on grass?

You need to make sure your forklift is fitted with the right tyres to navigate grassy surfaces. In this case, pneumatic tyres are recommended for travelling across grass. This is because they’re best suited to uneven, loose or rough terrain; essentially, grass. Conventional tyres could prove to be too bouncy and uncomfortable to travel across grass, so these should be avoided.

Solid tyres can also be used, but pneumatic tyres are often considered to be the most effective, comfortable choice overall, especially on diesel-powered forklifts. If you need further advice about the type of tyres you need to have fitted to your forklift, then you can discuss your options with one of our dedicated material handling specialists.

Safety tips when driving a forklift on grass

There’s a wide range of different rules and guidance that should be followed when operating a forklift, generally, let alone when travelling across grass. It’s imperative that your workers, stock and machinery stay safe when navigating grassy terrain, and here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Perform pre-use and post-use safety checks on the forklift
• Ensure forklift operators are qualified and up-to-date with all of their training
• Check the weather forecast to ensure the conditions are safe for you to use a forklift outdoors, specifically on grass
• Make sure the forklift is clean after you’ve used it to prevent rust and other damages
• Check that the forklift is equipped with the right tyres before using it on grassy surfaces
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Make sure you follow the specifications outlined by the manufacturer, taking care not to exceed any weight or lifting capacities
• Ensure the forks are lifted slightly off the ground so as not to catch them along the uneven grassy area
• Travel across grassy terrain slowly and carefully
• Check all blind spots and carry out visual checks before manoeuvring your forklift on grassy surfaces

Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry. We pride ourselves on providing customers throughout the country with high-calibre warehouse equipment, including new and used forklifts of various makes, models and fuel types. In addition to heavy warehouse machinery, we can also offer industrial cleaning equipment and chemicals, enabling you to keep your premises in top condition for your employees and visitors. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our professional, expert team – we’re always pleased to hear from you.