What if you need to lift a massive amount of weight but don’t want to deal with the fumes of an internal combustion engine? Your solution: a high-capacity electric forklift.

Capacities range from 4,000 to 11,000 lb. Many models are equipped with a cab, so the operator can be comfortable even in rain and snow. Foam or air-filled tires allow this type of forklift to handle rougher terrains, like blacktop and gravel. Outdoor Electric Pneumaticsįor applications that need or prefer to run electric trucks, but also need to work outside, the electric pneumatic is a solid choice. Common industries of use include light manufacturing and storage facilities. This allows operators to squeeze into tighter spaces while still being able to turn. Stand-up riders have the same maneuverability as a 3-wheel truck, but with a smaller footprint. The stand-up counterbalance forklift allows operators to easily hop on and off between loads. The 3-wheel variant is ideal for situations requiring the operator to turn and maneuver in circles. There are a few different types of counterbalance forklifts. Counterbalance forklifts have no extending arms, giving them the ability to move directly to the load. The counterbalance forklift is a popular lift that features forks in the front and a weight in the back of the vehicle to counterbalance the weight of the load. This makes them suitable for navigating narrow aisles and handling long loads like timber and pipes. The operator stands in a sideways compartment and the side loader unloads objects on its side.ĭue to its sideways operation, side load forklifts can easily drive up alongside racks and load and unload without having to turn. Side LoaderĪ subtype of the warehouse forklift, side loaders are usually found in steel service centers and manufacturing facilities with heavy and bulky items. There are a few subtypes of the warehouse forklift, including the side loader and counterbalance forklift. Most industrial forklifts can lift 5,000 lbs of weight, but some heavy-duty models are capable of elevating up to 25,000 lbs. Some of the most popular warehouse forklift models include the Hyster 36-38T, Komatsu 20 BX50 Hyster, and the Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift.

These trucks are great for loading and unloading pallets and balanced materials, well as removing and transporting items from delivery vehicles. You’ll most often use this forklift in a facility with a large number of items in inventory. It resembles a yellow golf cart with twin forks extending from the front. The warehouse forklift is the most recognizable type of lift truck. We’ll cover below what each forklift is, what it’s best used for, and popular manufacturers and models. The most popular forklift types on the market today are: With seven varying forklift “classes” with subtle differences, it can be difficult to even know where to begin your forklift search. Selecting the right forklift for your needs is essential to efficiency and productivity, which is why it is so important to understand the key differences in each class of forklifts. Below is a list of the seven most common types of forklifts: There are 7 different forklift types, each carefully designed for specific applications and each offering its own unique set of benefits and features. In 2013, the top 20 manufacturers worldwide posted sales of $30.4 billion, with 944,405 machines sold. Forklifts have become an indispensable piece of equipment in manufacturing and warehousing.

Since World War II, the use and development of forklift trucks have greatly expanded worldwide. The forklift was developed in the early 20th century by various companies, including Clark, which made transmissions, and Yale & Towne Manufacturing, which made hoists. What is Forklift?Ī forklift (also called lift truck, jitney, fork truck, fork hoist, and forklift truck) is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances. Whether you’re looking to rent a forklift or purchase one for your next project, our guide covers the different forklift types, their benefits, and popular forklift models to help you choose the right forklift for your needs. Since there is a wide selection of styles and models available, it can be difficult to select the best forklift. Whether you need to move heavy loads in a warehouse or construction site, forklifts can safely lift objects that humans cannot, making them indispensable on any job site. Forklifts are one of the most versatile vehicles for builders.

Military off road forklift truck