All Terrain Forklift

An all terrain forklift, also called a rough terrain forklift, is a counterbalance forklift with large pneumatic tyres, high ground clearance and, on many models, switchable 4WD. It lifts and carries on gravel, compacted dirt and unsealed yards where a warehouse forklift would bog down or scrape its chassis. Building sites, landscape and building supply yards, timber yards, farms and recycling sites are where it earns its keep. If most of your work is on smooth concrete indoors, a standard counterbalance forklift is the better buy.

DJJ Equipment sells Hangcha rough terrain forklifts from 1.5 to 10 t, in diesel and high-voltage lithium, with 2WD and 4WD versions. Every machine is inspected, function-tested and cleaned before it leaves our branches in Silverwater NSW, Meadowbrook QLD or Bayswater WA.

The Hangcha rough terrain forklift range

The range splits into five model groups by capacity, drive and power. Models up to 3.5 t are rated at a 500 mm load centre, and the 5-10 t models at 600 mm.

• 1.5-1.8 t diesel: the smallest and narrowest model at 1,450 mm wide, in 2WD or 4WD, with 235-280 mm of ground clearance.
• 2.5-3.5 t diesel, 2WD: the most common size for pallets of bricks, pavers and timber, with 235-270 mm of clearance.
• 2.5-3.5 t diesel, 4WD: the same capacities with drive to all four wheels and 240-290 mm of clearance.
• 2.5-3.5 t high-voltage lithium: battery power in 2WD or 4WD, the 4WD with separate front and rear drive motors.
• 5-10 t diesel: 5 t and 7 t in 2WD or 4WD, 10 t in 4WD only, with 370-424 mm of clearance.

Every model comes with a 3,000 mm standard mast and optional masts to 6,000 mm, except the 7 t and 10 t, which top out at 5,000 mm. When your loads pass 3.5 t, the Hangcha rough terrain forklift 5-10 t is the next step up.

Matching 2WD or 4WD to your ground

A 2WD rough terrain forklift suits firm, dry yards and compacted site roads. Choose 4WD for mud, sand, loose gravel or steeper unsealed ground. The 4WD versions switch between 2WD and 4WD, and many models also have a differential lock, so one spinning wheel doesn't take all the drive.

The trade-off is turning space. The 2.5-3.5 t diesel turns in 2,900 mm as a 2WD and 3,300 mm as a 4WD. On the 7 t, the gap grows to 3,960 mm against 5,290 mm. 4WD also costs more to buy and has more driveline to service. If your yard stays firm most of the year, we'd usually start with the Hangcha 2WD rough terrain forklift 2.5-3.5 t.

4WD does climb better. Laden gradeability on the 5 t is 45-55% in 4WD against 39-42% in 2WD. Those are drivetrain test figures, not safe working slopes, so follow the slope limit in the operator manual for your model.

Capacity, lift height and attachments

A rated capacity only holds at the stated load centre with the forks low and the mast upright. On rough ground it drops further: at 6,000 mm, the lithium model's rough terrain rating under ISO 22915-13 is only 600-700 kg. On the same model, a side shifter takes off another 200 kg (integral) or 300 kg (external). Check the load chart for the exact mast and attachments before you order.

Deep-tread pneumatic tyres come standard. Solid tyres are an option on the lithium and 5-10 t models for yards with steel offcuts, demolition waste or other puncture risks. A cab is optional on most models for operators working through winter or in heavy dust.

Diesel or high-voltage lithium

A diesel rough terrain forklift suits sites with no power for charging, long days away from a workshop and quick refuelling between jobs. Some engine options meet EU Stage V emissions limits, which matters if your site or contract sets an emissions standard.

The high-voltage lithium model runs a 317V, 46.4 kWh battery that charges fully in about 1.5 hours. It has no exhaust at the point of use and suits sites that can charge at breaks. Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises runs one at its resource recovery site in Terrey Hills, Sydney, which operates seven days a week.

Rough terrain forklift or telehandler?

A rough terrain forklift lifts straight up on a mast, while a telehandler lifts on a telescopic boom and reaches forward. We also sell the Hangcha XH Series telehandler 2.5-3.5 t, which lifts to 9.8 m. If you need to place loads over a trench, a fence or onto a first floor, a telehandler reaches forward where a mast cannot.

Hire, finance and service

Each DJJ branch has a workshop and stocks commonly needed parts, and most models in the range carry a 24 month / 2,000 hour warranty. When dust affected the seat harness connection on Kimbriki's machine, DJJ fitted a dedicated harness socket at no charge. Service and repairs are on 1300 646 747.

For a single project or a busy season, ask about forklift hire on selected rough terrain models. If you're buying, finance is available through our finance partner with no-cost, obligation-free pre-approval, and we take trade-ins of any forklift brand.

Before you choose, check:

• Your heaviest load, its load centre and the height you lift it to
• Whether the ground is firm and dry, or soft, loose and wet
• The steepest slope the machine will travel, loaded and empty
• Turning space at the tightest point, plus gates and site access
• Hours a day, and whether there's power on site for charging
• Attachments such as a side shifter, which reduce capacity

Tell us the load weight, lift height, ground and slopes, and how many hours a day you run. Our team will recommend models to buy or hire, or call 1800 355 388.