The forklift market is diverse, featuring a range of models each tailored to fulfil specific operational needs. This variety, while offering great choice, can make the task of selecting the right forklift somewhat daunting.
Understanding these different forklift types is a crucial step in your purchasing journey. In this section, we will explore the unique characteristics, strengths, and optimal uses of the main forklift types. Helping you identify which aligns best with the needs and demands of your business.
The most popular forklift types in the market today are:
Counterbalance Forklifts
Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type, known for their straightforward, intuitive operation. The name comes from their design: a weight in the rear counterbalances the load at the front.
They have no extended arm, allowing them to move directly to the load. These forklifts can be used both indoors and outdoors, suitable for a wide array of tasks ranging from unloading deliveries to stacking pallets.
They come in a variety of power options including electric, diesel, and gas, they offer versatility to match various operational needs.
Most Common Uses
Counterbalance forklifts are primarily utilised for tasks such as loading and unloading of materials, managing warehouse inventory, and stacking pallets efficiently. Their adaptability and user-friendly operation make them a popular choice across a multitude of industries.
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Reach Trucks
Reach trucks are a popular choice in environments where space is at a premium such as warehouses. These vehicles are designed for ‘reaching’ heights that would be unattainable by other types of forklifts, making them ideal for high-rise storage systems.
The defining feature of reach trucks is their ability to extend their forks beyond the compartment. This allows operators to reach into racking systems to store or retrieve loads. They’re typically electric powered and are best suited for indoor use.
Most Common Uses
Reach trucks are primarily used in warehousing operations where high stacking and narrow aisles are present. Their unique design features allow for efficient space utilisation, which can be crucial in industries that require large amounts of inventory .
Side Loader Forklifts
Side loader forklifts, as the name suggests, are designed to load and unload from the side. They have a sideways operation which is particularly useful when handling long or wide loads that would be unstable on a conventional counterbalance model.
Side loaders are excellent for handling lengthy materials like timber or piping, reducing the space needed when moving down aisles.
Most Common Uses
While side loader forklifts have broad applications, they’re most commonly found in timber yards and other heavy industries where handling large or elongated items is part of the daily routine.
Telehandlers
Telehandlers, or telescopic handlers, are versatile workhorses that combine the height of a crane with the mobility of a forklift. They have a boom that can extend forwards and upwards, often with an attachment like a bucket or lift at the end.
Most Common Uses
Telehandlers are extensively used in agriculture and construction due to their versatility. They can handle tasks ranging from lifting heavy loads to high places or acting as a makeshift crane.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Engineered to tackle the most challenging environments, rough terrain forklifts are the epitome of strength and durability. These powerhouses are specifically designed to navigate rugged surfaces and withstand harsh conditions with ease.
Their robust construction sets them apart, offering heightened stability and resilience. This is coupled with potent engines that provide the necessary horsepower to ascend steep inclines, traverse uneven landscapes, and carry heavy loads effortlessly.
Most Common Uses
Rough terrain forklifts are the go-to choice for outdoor applications, particularly in construction sites and lumber yards. Here, the terrain is often unpredictable and laden with obstacles, making the rugged design and powerful performance of these forklifts a necessity.
Order Pickers
Order pickers are specifically designed to streamline the process of selecting and retrieving items from storage areas. Unlike most forklifts, order pickers come with the unique feature of elevating the operator alongside the forks. This allows operators to manually select or retrieve items, even from the highest shelves.
Most Common Uses
Order pickers are predominantly used in distribution centres and large-scale warehouses where individual items, rather than entire pallets, need to be picked for shipment. Their ability to reach high places and allow for manual selection makes them an indispensable tool in these environments.
Stackers
Stackers are a type of lift that is used to stack pallets at varying heights. They are smaller and more lightweight than traditional forklifts, making them perfect for small warehouses or retail spaces.
Most Common Uses
Stackers are primarily used in small distribution centres, retail spaces, or any environment where space may be limited but vertical storage is necessary.
Powered Pallet Trucks
Powered pallet trucks, also known as electric pallet jacks, are compact yet robust pieces of equipment designed to assist in the efficient transportation of pallets within a warehouse or storage facility.
Most models are powered by rechargeable batteries, making them an eco-friendly choice for businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Most Common Uses
Powered pallet trucks are typically used in warehouses and distribution centres where they can quickly and efficiently move goods across short distances. Their ability to easily manoeuvre around tight corners and narrow aisles makes them particularly useful in space-restricted areas.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks are a specialised type of forklift designed to operate in extremely tight spaces. As the name suggests, these trucks are tailor-made for narrow aisles, maximising storage space by reducing the amount of aisle width they require.
VNA trucks are known for their precision and control. They’re typically guided by wire or rail systems when in the aisle, ensuring accurate handling and preventing accidental damage to stock or racking. Their design often includes rotating forks, allowing them to retrieve pallets without having to turn the truck.
Most Common Uses
VNA trucks are most commonly found in warehouses and storage facilities that require high-density storage. Their ability to operate in tight spaces makes them an excellent choice for businesses looking to optimise their storage capacity without expanding their footprint.