Forklift & Lift Truck Information Guide

Understanding the differences in types of material handling equipment is essential to choosing the proper type of machine to buy or rent for a project or job. Forklifts are used primarily for lifting loads in various warehouses, construction jobs, and personal material handling purposes and matching the right one for your task can mean a world of difference.

There are two main types of industrial forklifts, electric and internal combustion (IC). These two types have an array of uses and specifications unique to them.

Industrial Forklift Types

Electric Forklifts

Indoor operations usually require the use of an electric forklift as it has no emissions, very little noise during operation, and is capable of the heavy lifting.

Warehouse Forklift

These require specifications that allow them to move easily and effectively through tight spaces while retaining their reach capacity.

Narrow Aisle Forklift

Narrow aisle equipment is very important for warehouse jobs, especially in this day and age. They are extremely agile in tight spaces and thus can increase the productivity of a warehouse simply by the number of aisles that they make possible.

Reach Forklift

Reach lifts are almost always outfitted with pneumatic tires characterized by their "meatier" and durable appearance. Reach forklifts have outriggers at the front which allow the unit to be stabilized on uneven grounds and are perfect for operating at height.

Internal Combustion Forklifts

These are practical for outdoor operation for a number of reasons. In particular the ease of which they can be refueled and they are able to handle a rougher terrain with greater ease than their electric counterparts.

Diesel Forklift

These lift trucks are reliable and powerful as most IC forklifts are, but have the added low fuel consumption benefit. Ecologically superior with the same simple operation makes them a powerful material handling tool.

Propane Forklift

These are a viable alternative to other internal combustion, and even electric forklifts based on their cost effectiveness. They produce less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons as exhaust by product and are cheaper and have a longer run cycle than their electric counterparts.

Rough Terrain Forklift

Rough terrain forklifts are ideally used to transport heavy materials in tough environments. Unlike warehouse equipment, the tires of rough terrain vehicle need to be able to withstand the rigors of the terrain they travel on and offer stability needed in those environments. Rough terrain lift trucks are almost always internal combustion engines.

Telescopic Forklift

Telescopic lifts are material handlers that set themselves apart with a "boom-lift" technology instead of the vertical fork mast typical of most machines. This allows the telescopic forklift to reach over obstructions and lift objects as opposed to simply lifting them vertically. This is a key characteristic for tightly spaced construction sites and warehouses and is a very valuable piece of machinery