Is a rough terrain forklift the same as a telehandler?

No, rough terrain forklift are not the same as a telehandler.

Their differences are mainly reflected in the following four aspects:
structural characteristics, operating performance,
application scenarios and power systems.

Let's analyze them one by one:

 

Structural features

Off-road forklifts generally use all-wheel drive,

equipped with large-diameter wide-base off-road tires,
and the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle is more than 300mm,

with good passability. Its frame is mostly articulated,
with a swing angle of generally ±30°~40°, a simple steering system,
and a small turning radius.

Telescopic forklifts are equipped with a retractable boom,
and the fork or attachments are installed on the boom.

The body structure is relatively compact, usually with four-wheel steering function.

Its tire specifications and ground clearance
are generally smaller than those of off-road forklifts,
but the telescopic function of the boom makes its operating range wider.

Operation performance

Off-road forklifts focus on loading, unloading, stacking and handling operations
in harsh terrain and complex road conditions.

They can cross obstacles on the site and can work safely and efficiently
on slopes and uneven ground.

The climbing ability is generally around 25°~30°,
and the maximum speed is 30~40km/h.

Telescopic arm forklifts can realize the lifting or forklifting of goods
through the telescopic and variable amplitude of the boom.

The fork can cross obstacles and pass through holes for forklifting operations,
and can stack and destacker multiple rows of goods under complex working conditions.

It is suitable for places with requirements for operating height and depth.

Application scenarios

Off-road forklifts are mainly used in field projects such as urban construction sites,
pipeline laying, oil field development, mountainous forest areas, and yards.

The loading and unloading of containers in the cargo yard is also used for
loading and unloading military supplies by troops during wartime.

Telescopic forklifts are widely used in unloading construction materials and
short-distance transportation at construction sites, material handling and site
cleaning and sorting, material handling on rough ground in industrial enterprises,
handling of hay bags in agricultural and animal husbandry pastures, feed chopping,
hay feeding, feces cleaning, etc.

They can also be used for high-altitude installation on aerial work platforms,
installation of curtain walls with glass suction cups, and other operations.

Power system

Off-road forklifts are mostly powered by internal combustion engines,
and mainly diesel engines, which are powerful, reliable, and have few failures.

The power transmission is mostly hydraulic transmission or hydrostatic transmission,
with good maneuverability and passability.

Telescopic forklifts usually use diesel engines as the power source,
but some telescopic forklifts also use electric drive systems,
especially some small or indoor telescopic forklifts.

Electric-driven telescopic forklifts have the advantages of
environmental protection and low noise.

FLIFT 3.5 ton 4WD off road forklift