Outside forklifts—commonly referred to as rough terrain, pneumatic tire, or all-terrain forklifts—are engineered to operate on uneven, rugged, and outdoor surfaces where standard warehouse forklifts cannot go. These machines feature large, durable tires, powerful engines, high ground clearance, and often 4WD for superior traction in mud, gravel, and on slopes.
Key Models and Price Ranges
Model Type Capacity Key Feature Price
Viper FD30RT Rough Terrain 6,000 lbs Diesel, 187" lift height $36,900
Clark Renegade S25XE/S30XE/S35XE Electric/Pneumatic 5,000–7,000 lbs 80V lithium, zero emissions, indoor/outdoor Call for price
JCB 77-52D 4WD Teletruk Telescopic Boom — 4WD, telescopic boom for forward reach $101,891
Manitou M70-2 H Rough Terrain 15,400 lbs High-capacity 2WD for industrial/jobsite use Contact dealer
Drexel SL40AC SwingMast Electric 4,000 lbs 60″ aisle, inside/outside on paved surfaces Contact dealer
Ausa C400HX4 Compact Rough Terrain — 4WD, high ground clearance Call for price
Electric vs. Diesel for Outdoor Use
Electric outdoor forklifts like the Clark Renegade offer zero emissions, reduced maintenance, and fast opportunity charging, with operating costs as low as $0.30 per hour**—compared to **$2.80–$3.50 per hour for diesel. Diesel models like the Viper FD30RT and JCB Teletruk provide higher torque and longer runtime for demanding construction and agricultural applications.
Where to Buy
Machinio: New and used rough terrain forklifts from Manitou and other brands
BuyFleetNow: Viper FD30RT and RTD35 with free shipping from 15+ US locations
Construction Equipment Guide: Clark Renegade, JCB Teletruk, and Ausa C400HX4 listings
United Rentals: All-terrain forklift rentals and sales, including Manitou MC25-4
Forkliftaction: Industry marketplace with outdoor and indoor-outdoor forklift listings
The bottom line: Outside forklifts range from $36,900 for a 6,000 lb rough terrain diesel** to **over $100,000 for telescopic boom models. Electric outdoor models like the Clark Renegade offer zero emissions and lower operating costs, while diesel models provide higher torque for heavy-duty applications. Shop through Machinio, BuyFleetNow, Construction Equipment Guide, and United Rentals for the best selection.