You need to know this: using a forklift on an outdoor site

While electric forklifts were formerly used primarily indoors, more and more logistics processes are moving outdoors. Loading and unloading in the outdoor area, transport between different warehouses, or working in an open storage area: the outdoor area is becoming a fully-fledged part of the logistics chain. This requires a different perspective on the use of the forklift. What do you need to consider when you want to work outdoors with an electric forklift?

Working outdoors means exposure to the elements. Rain, cold, and wind affect not only the driver's comfort but also productivity. A forklift cab offers a solution to this. An enclosed cab protects against weather conditions and can be equipped with heating, windshield wipers, and good ventilation. With intensive use on outdoor premises, this increases not only working comfort but also the safety and operational availability of the truck.

The right tires make the difference
Outdoor surfaces are rarely smooth. Paving stones, asphalt, concrete slabs, or slightly uneven terrain require tires that offer sufficient grip and cushioning. Super elastic (SE) tires are a popular solution for this. These solid rubber tires are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and offer a good balance between stability, traction, and driving comfort. Choosing the right tires reduces the risk of skidding and increases safety on wet or uneven surfaces.

Ground clearance and construction
Thresholds, ramps, and uneven surfaces require sufficient ground clearance. A forklift that functions flawlessly on a flat warehouse floor can get stuck or sustain damage outdoors. Electric forklifts designed for combined indoor and outdoor use incorporate extra ground clearance and robustness into their construction.

Electric drive: powerful and future-proof
While diesel or LPG was the norm in outdoor areas for a long time, modern electric forklifts have largely taken over that role. Electric forklifts with lithium-ion technology, in particular, deliver consistent performance, require little maintenance, and can be quickly recharged in between uses. Additionally, they are quiet, vibration-free, and locally emission-free. For companies looking to become more sustainable or needing to comply with zero-emission zones, electric operation is a future-proof choice.

Visibility, regulations and safety
Good lighting is essential for outdoor work, especially during the winter months or at dusk. Work and driving lights increase the driver's visibility and make the truck more visible to others. Additionally, RDW registration and license plate requirements may apply when using public roads, for example for forklifts wider than 1,30 meters. The driving licence is also a point of attention: a forklift certificate is usually sufficient on private property, but a T-license may be required on public roads.

Which forklift is suitable?
Not every electric forklift is automatically suitable for outdoor use. Models specifically developed for combined applications – such as robust EFG models or the AntOn by Jungheinrich electric forklifts – offer a good balance between performance, comfort, and cost efficiency. With options such as tires, lighting, and a cabin, they provide a practical solution for companies that want to work electrically and flexibly on outdoor sites.

Jungheinrich contributes ideas in practice regarding electric forklifts for combined indoor and outdoor use, tailored to the ground surface, usage intensity, and future-proof logistics.