Using industrial trucks in the open air presents businesses with particular challenges. Whether on a construction depot, in the harbour or in agriculture – when it comes to forklifts for outdoor use, companies must factor in completely different stresses than for a machine in a protected warehouse. Rain, snow, extreme temperature fluctuations and uneven ground call for robust machines. Choosing the wrong model risks costly downtime and jeopardises employee safety. In this guide, you will learn which requirements apply to forklifts for outdoor operation, which drive and tyre types are suitable, and which SUVA specifications must be observed in Switzerland. As your reliable partner based in Amriswil in the Canton of Thurgau, staplerboss.ch is at your side with expertise and tailored solutions.
Challenges when using forklifts outdoors
When you use a forklift outdoors, the equipment is put to a severe test. Weather conditions in Switzerland can be extreme: from hot summer days to icy winters, the machine must perform reliably. Moisture is one of the greatest enemies of electronics and mechanics. Without adequate protection, water ingress can lead to short circuits, corrosion and total failure. In addition, outdoor ground conditions are rarely as even as an indoor industrial floor. Potholes, gravel, mud and unpaved tracks require high ground clearance and excellent traction. A conventional indoor forklift would quickly get stuck here or suffer damage from vibrations. Another aspect is visibility. In rain, fog or dusk, visibility deteriorates drastically. This increases the risk of accidents, which is why there are specific requirements for lighting and the operator’s cab. To master these challenges, you need to focus on specific equipment features.
Weather resistance and IP protection ratings: what to look for
For a forklift to withstand outdoor use and weather in the long term, effective protection against dust and water is essential. The IP protection rating (International Protection) plays a central role here. This code indicates how well components are protected against the ingress of foreign objects and moisture. For occasional use in light drizzle, a standard forklift may suffice. However, as soon as the machine is used regularly outdoors, you should opt for at least IP54 (protected against dust and splashing water) or IP65 (dust-tight and protected against water jets). In addition to sealing the electronics, protecting the operator is of great importance. A fully enclosed cab with heating and windscreen wipers ensures comfort and safety. Cold operators are more prone to errors. Also look for corrosion-resistant paintwork. At staplerboss.ch we are happy to advise you on the most sensible weather protection equipment for your operating conditions in Switzerland.
The right tyres: pneumatic vs. super-elastic
Choosing the right tyres is crucial for performance when you use a forklift outdoors. Unlike hard cushion tyres for indoor floors, you need tyres outside that absorb shocks and provide grip on uneven terrain. Pneumatic tyres are air-filled and offer excellent damping. This makes them ideal for bumpy surfaces such as gravel yards or construction sites. They protect the vehicle and the load from shocks and offer high driving comfort. However, they are more susceptible to punctures. Nails or sharp stones can quickly lead to a flat tyre. Super-elastic (SE) or solid rubber tyres, on the other hand, are completely puncture-proof. Made from solid rubber, they cannot burst. They are the best choice for use at recycling centres or in areas with sharp objects. Modern SE tyres feature damping layers that largely compensate for their lower suspension comfort. For most outdoor applications on paved, rough surfaces, they are often the best compromise.
Drive types compared: diesel, LPG or electric for outdoors?
The question of the optimal drive is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a forklift for outdoor use. Diesel forklifts are the classic powerhouses for outdoor operation. They offer high torque, are extremely robust and can be used in any weather. Refuelling takes only a few minutes, making them ideal for multi-shift operation. However, they emit exhaust gases and are relatively loud, which is why their use in enclosed halls is subject to strict regulations. LPG forklifts are a flexible alternative. They are quieter and have lower emissions than diesel models and, under certain conditions, may also be used in well-ventilated indoor areas. They offer similar performance and are ideal for combined indoor and outdoor use. For a long time, electric forklifts were used almost exclusively indoors. Thanks to modern lithium-ion technology and greatly improved encapsulation of electronics, today’s electric forklifts are absolutely suitable for outdoor forklift applications. They are emission-free, extremely quiet and score with low operating costs. They are the most future-proof choice, especially for companies committed to sustainability. Ensure the charging infrastructure is installed in a weather-protected location.
Ground conditions and lighting requirements
A forklift used outdoors must cope with a wide variety of ground conditions. Outside you encounter asphalt, concrete, paving stones, gravel or unpaved soil. For unpaved terrain, conventional counterbalance forklifts are often not sufficient. This is where specialised rough-terrain forklifts come into play, featuring large tractor-style tyres, generous ground clearance and often all-wheel drive. Visibility is equally important. Rain, snow, fog and early dusk require a well-thought-out lighting concept. High-performance LED work lights that illuminate the working area brightly and without glare should be part of the standard equipment. In addition, optical warning systems are essential. Beacons draw pedestrians’ attention to the forklift. Systems such as the “Blue Spot”, which project a coloured light point onto the ground to visually mark the hazard zone around the truck, have proven particularly effective. This provides a significant safety gain on noisy sites.
Swiss regulations and SUVA guidelines for outdoor use
Safety is the top priority, and in Switzerland SUVA regulates the requirements for the operation of industrial trucks in great detail. If you operate a forklift outdoors, you must ensure that both the machine and the operator meet the legal requirements. First, in Switzerland the SUVA-recognised forklift operator’s certificate is mandatory. For outdoor use, a briefing on specific hazards (weather, ground conditions) is also required. The operating site itself must be designed safely. Traffic routes for forklifts and pedestrians should be physically or visually segregated. Speed limits must be defined and monitored. With regard to equipment, SUVA stipulates that forklifts used on public roads must have a road approval. This includes indicators, brake lights, rear-view mirrors and a lighting system in accordance with the VTS (Verordnung über die technischen Anforderungen an Strassenfahrzeuge). In addition, operators must hold a valid driving licence for the relevant category. We at staplerboss.ch are happy to help you equip your fleet in compliance with SUVA.
Conclusion
Purchasing in the category of forklifts for outdoor use requires careful planning and selecting the right machine. A forklift for outdoor operation must be robust, weather-resistant and fitted with suitable tyres to withstand harsh conditions. Whether you opt for a powerful diesel, a flexible LPG model or an environmentally friendly electric truck depends on your specific duty cycles. Never forget safety: a closed cab, excellent lighting and strict adherence to SUVA guidelines are essential to avoid accidents. If you are looking for the perfect forklift for outdoor use, our team at staplerboss.ch in Amriswil will be delighted to support you with our experience and a wide range of new and used equipment at any time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use an electric forklift outdoors in the rain?
Yes, modern electric forklifts can be used outdoors in the rain without any problems, provided they have a sufficient IP protection rating (at least IP54). The sensitive electronics and the battery in these models are specially sealed. However, always ensure that battery charging takes place in a dry, covered area.
Which tyres are best suited for a gravel yard?
For uneven and loose surfaces such as gravel yards, pneumatic tyres are generally the best choice. They offer excellent shock absorption and conform to the ground, which provides better traction. If there is a high risk of sharp objects on site, you should switch to special super-elastic tyres.
Do I need special approval to drive a forklift on the road?
Yes, as soon as you drive the forklift on public roads, the vehicle requires official road approval in accordance with Swiss regulations (VTS). The machine must be equipped with lighting, indicators and mirrors, and the operator requires, in addition to the SUVA forklift operator’s certificate, a valid road traffic driving licence.
