If your struggling to know which forklift to buy we are here to help. There are lots of different types of forklifts used in warehouses and it can be difficult to know which is best for your environment. Have a read through our list of different types of forklifts below, view the pictures of different types of forklifts and learn more about each different truck and their individual benefits. If you want us to tell you over the phone which truck is best suited for you needs, give us a call on 01937 585 057 and speak to our friendly team for some free advice.
Types of Forklifts used in Warehouses
Counterbalance Forklift Trucks
Counterbalance forklift trucks are the most common and widely used forklifts which can carry heavier loads. The back of the machine has a dense weight that counterbalances the load that’s picked up. They have forks which protrude at the front of the machine and it operates in a straightforward fashion. These types of forklift trucks are reliable and simple to use and come in a full range of electric, gas or diesel powered machines. There are different types available such as three wheel models for narrow aisles. If you’re looking for the most environmentally friendly truck then you won’t go wrong with the Doosans’ electric counterbalance truck. It comes in a range of capacities and will cover all working environments and applications.
Pedestrian Operated Pallet Trucks
The pedestrian operated pallet trucks are common in most warehouses. They have forks that slide beneath the pallet and use a hydraulic jack to lift the load from the ground for easy manoeuvrability. They are just for moving pallets at ground level from one location to another. There are many types of these pallet trucks available with some capable of moving loads of 5000lbs.
Reach Trucks
Reach forklift trucks are designed to work in narrow aisle warehousing space. They offer extended lift height making them ideal in any warehousing situation with high rise storage pallet racking. They are named ‘reach trucks’ due to the fact they can reach out further than its stabilising legs. The stabilising legs and batteries within the truck eradicates out the need for a counterweight. Reach trucks are incredibly easy to manoeuvre making them a favourite in warehouses.
Different Types of Reach Trucks
There are different types of reach forklift trucks such as stand up trucks which are commonly used where there is only one load per bay. You can get double deep reach trucks which have longer forks which make them ideal for areas where multiple pallet loads are stored in each bay. Pantograph reach trucks use a scissor design reach mechanism which gives them a higher lifting capacity when fully extended at double deep reaching. Straddle trucks also have longer forks but they can also ‘straddle’ onto the edges of the pallet for increased stability.
Reach trucks can be fitted with cameras which transmit a video to an LCD screen for even more visibility. However due to the undercarriage clearance they are better suited for indoor use. They can be used outside if larger wheels are fitted and the outside ground is sufficiently flat.
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Rough terrain forklifts are for outdoor use on difficult terrain. They come with inflatable tyres with much thicker threads which give a lot more stability on uneven ground. They also have a much more powerful engine and can reach higher speeds. These trucks are ideal for transporting heavy loads across rugged terrain and some models can handle up to 3 tonnes per load. Like the standard counterbalance forklift truck, they have a dense weight at the back of the machine that counterbalances the weight of the load that’s picked up. They are a very robust and durable truck which can be used on mud, ice and even snow.
Telescopic Handler Truck
Telescopic handler forklifts are almost like small cranes. They are ideal for use in agriculture or industries that require high lifting. They have a single telescopic boom which makes the truck much more powerful and flexible. There are a number of practical attachments available including a pallet fork, lift table, bucket and muck grabber. With these attachments and high reach, these trucks can complete work at heights that normal forklifts can’t reach.
Side Loader Forklift
Side loaders, as the name suggests, load from the side and are capable of handling long loads such as timber, piping and sheets. They are purpose built to handle wide or long loads and are less flexibly for more conventional loads.
So you can see there are many different types of forklifts used in warehouses today. This is not a fully comprehensive list as there are many more variants of these forklifts available. We have just touched on the more commonly used forklifts used in warehouses up and down the country today.
2H Storage Solutions are here to help
Here at 2H Storage Solutions we can advice you on which forklift truck to buy for your warehouse requirements. We have been supply and installing pallet racking and material handling equipment for many years. Call our experts today on 01937 585 057 and speak to our friendly team for some free advice. We offer all types of forklifts for sale or for hire.
Remember whichever type of forklift you decide on it is essential that the operators receives thorough and proper training. Contact a well-respected and experienced training organisation that will tailor your training to suit your chosen vehicle and work requirements. Again we can recommend companies to put your mind at rest.