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From timber yards to planting facilities, different environments call for different forklifts. Working outdoors demands capable, robust equipment suited to the unpredictable conditions and varied terrain that outdoor applications bring.
Compared to their indoor counterparts, outdoor forklifts often require higher specifications to perform reliably in the elements. While some machines are suited for both, where the ground is uneven and loose, machines designed for higher torque and stronger builds may be required to withstand the conditions and get the job done effectively.
In this guide, we cover which forklifts are best for outdoor use, and how to go about choosing the right one for your application.
What makes a forklift suitable for outdoor use
Forklifts are available in a wide range of types from the counterbalance, the most common, to more specialist machines designed for specific applications, such as multi directional forklifts – for easy manoeuvring of long, heavy loads.
With each type there are different models, all available across a range of specifications to best suit your requirements. A key part of a forklift’s suitability to outdoor work is the engine and its fuel type, reflecting the performance it can deliver.
Diesel Forklifts
Diesel forklifts offer higher torque, making them the best option where power is essential for moving heavy loads effectively. As they release far more harmful emissions, they’re not ideal for indoor use, but are well suited for outdoor operations.
They’re the unmatched type that you can count on to tackle all terrains, commonly found at:
- Builders Merchants
- Construction sites
- Quarries and aggregate yards
- Scrap metal yards
- Ports and container terminals
- Timber yards
- Steel Mills
- Rail Industry
- Stone Masons
- Precast Concrete Mills
- Recycling Yards
- Large industrial storage yards
Electric Forklifts
High-spec electric forklifts can deliver almost instant torque, with power on a similar level to their diesel counterparts. They are well suited to outdoor environments and, producing zero emissions, are equally suited to indoor use.
Electric forklifts are an excellent choice for mixed-use, commonly found in:
- Warehouse & Distribution sites
- Manufacturing loading bays and yards
- General freight and logistics yards
- Garden centres
- Food manufacturers
- Food and beverage distribution yards
- Light industrial estates
LPG Forklifts
LPG forklifts offer a strong middle ground between diesel and electric. Though less powerful than diesel, they are a practical alternative for outdoor applications where indoor use is also required.
Ideal for mixed and light outdoor use, they’re commonly found at:
- Builders’ merchant yards
- Printing Industry
- Retail warehouses with outdoor storage areas
- Agricultural and horticultural sites
- Food and beverage production facilities
- General haulage and distribution yards
- Light to medium industrial estates
The fuel type – electric, diesel and LPG – is just one of the many factors that make a machine suitable for an outdoor application. With each, there will be a range of models, some more suitable for heavy duty applications than others.
Models are built with more robust features to withstand the demands, such as:
- Pneumatic tyres
- Foam Filled Pneumatic Tyres
- Larger wheels
- Increased load and lift capacities
- All-wheel drive (On Rough Terrain Models)
Pneumatic Tyres
Lighter-use forklifts, such as those used predominantly indoors, typically feature solid or cushion tyres. Heavier-duty machines, however, commonly feature pneumatic tyres, which are air-filled and designed to absorb impact across uneven, loose, or rough surfaces.
Increased Load and Lift Capacities
Higher load and lift capacities allow for more, or heavier, loads to be moved across rough terrain, reducing operation times and wear on the machine. Outdoor forklifts are built to offer greater power, which typically allows for heavier loads to be lifted.
All-Wheel Drive
On muddy or uneven ground, standard forklift trucks can easily get stuck or become unstable when transporting loads. All-wheel drive improves overall stability, helping operators maintain control of the machine while tackling rough outdoor conditions.
Raised Chassis
Over time, tough outdoor terrains can put significant stress on a machine over time. Heavy-duty models are designed with a reinforced and raised chassis/frame to withstand the rough environments and avoid potholes that they are likely to face, helping to remain stable, durable, and safe.
How to choose the right outdoor forklift
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a forklift for your outdoor material handling. It’s essential to make the right decision, as an underspecced machine can result in poor performance, expensive damage and a risk to safety.
Consider your environment
The terrain of your outdoor operation is one of the key things to consider. If it’s relatively flat, a lower-spec machine is likely to be suitable – but for rough, uneven ground, a heavy-duty machine should be considered. Opting for a forklift that isn’t fit for the environment reduces safety and overall operational efficiency.
As touched on earlier, a machine’s fuel type can determine how well a forklift performs outdoors. If you aim for it to be used internally and externally, LPG and electric forklifts are most suitable for regular transition between the two environments.
Consider the specific application
The application in question will heavily influence the right machine for the job. Moving heavy loads across a construction site places very different demands on a forklift compared to handling stock at a garden centre. Consider the weight and size of the loads you’ll be moving, the lift heights required, and how frequently the machine will be in use. Though counterbalance is the most common type of forklift, there are many others that may be best suited, including:
- Counterbalance forklifts
- Multi-directional forklifts
- Reach stackers
- Pallet trucks
- Tow trucks/tractors
The best forklifts for outdoor applications
Every outdoor setting is different. While heavy-duty models are typically recommended for demanding environments, the best machine will always depend on the specific needs of your operation.
Diesel forklifts are generally best suited to the toughest environments, delivering the highest power and torque of the three. LPG and electric models are also widely used outdoors, and while they may deliver less raw power, they are ideal for mixed-use applications where indoor and outdoor operation is required.
As for the best type of forklift, this again comes down to the application. Different loads and environments call for different machines. The forklift used for lifting pallets won’t be the same as the one required for handling cargo containers.
Whichever forklift you choose, it’s worth taking the time to carefully consider your application and environment. If in doubt, speaking with trusted experts, such as the team at Multy Lift, is always recommended.
Need expert advice?
At Multy Lift, our experts are here to help you find the right material handling equipment for your operations, including outdoor forklifts. Our range includes high-quality forklift trucks from leading brands such as CESAB, Konecranes and Prins, with electric, diesel and LPG models available. Whether it’s for indoor, outdoor, or mixed use, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve been trusted by businesses across the UK for the supply of forklifts for over 40 years. As one of the UK’s leading forklift dealers, you can count on us to supply new forklifts, as well as expertly refurbished machines. With mobile engineers on hand, we also offer servicing and maintenance of all your material handling equipment – helping keep everything running smoothly.
