Posted by Talent Plus Staffing
Working in a warehouse, you’re bound to see a forklift or two carrying heavy loads. Forklifts can do more than this, though! Whether you’re interested in diversifying your fleet or learning more about these incredible trucks, you’ve come to the right place! Here are seven types of forklifts and the tasks they are used for.
- The two main types of forklifts are electric and internal combustion forklifts. Electric forklifts are usually used for indoor operations. It is the most recommended forklift for heavy lifting and for low operating costs. On the other hand, IT (internal combustion) forklifts are used for outdoor operations.
- 7 Different Types of Forklifts Those interested in adding new forklifts to their business will likely run across the different forklift classes as they look for the perfect machine for their needs. Each class of industrial forklifts offers something different that may be suitable for different applications.
7 Different Types of Forklifts Common Classes of Forklift Trucks The term forklift truck is a fairly broad term that can be used for a number of different vehicles. When people think of forklifts, they usually imagine the small vehicle with two forks on the front that’s used for lifting pallets.
Forklifts
1. Four-Wheel Counterbalance
The four-wheel counterbalance is the most common type of forklift. On the front, there are dual forks that are used to lift heavy or bulky loads. You can find counterbalance machines in all types of warehouse facilities.
2. Three-Wheel Counterbalance
This machine is almost the same as the four-wheel counterbalance except that it has three wheels. The benefit to this is that the trucks can fit through narrow spaces. For forklift mechanics working in small warehouses, this type of forklift is a great choice.
Forklift Types Guide
3. Side Loaders
Side loaders are also great for tight spaces. With this machine, there are forks that are mounted to the side of the truck. These forks pick up large loads that would be difficult to do with a traditional forklift. Side loaders that are used outdoors benefit from an enclosed cab, whereas ones being used indoors can be stand-up.
4. Reach Trucks
As their name implies, reach trucks are used to access objects that are high. They are extremely useful in warehouses where every bit of space is used. Reach trucks have long forks that can be raised up and down. The two main types available are stand-up trucks and double-deep trucks.
5. Teletrucks
Another option for reaching items that are out of reach is a teletruck. Teletrucks are essentially telescopic handler forklifts and can be confused with cranes. The benefit to using teletrucks is that they are easy to maneuver and can reach awkward angles, not just high ones.
6. Powered Pallet Trucks
7 Different Types Of Forklifts
Traditional pump trucks do not use electric power to lift materials. Instead, the operator pumps the jack using their own force. With powered pallet trucks, electric power is used. You can think of these trucks as being modernized versions of pump trucks. These machines are best used for skids and small packages.
7. Order Pickers
Order pickers have a neat job. They are made to “hand pick” specific items rather than complete pallets. The machines are used in warehouses in order to help workers pick orders. Some order pickers are fixated while others have mobile hands that allow them to reach higher shelves.
Different Types Of Forklifts Names
Who would have thought that there could be so many forklifts in a single warehouse? While many of these trucks have slightly different uses, each one has an important role. Most warehouses aren’t able to have every forklift in their fleet, but even a few can increase productivity and customer satisfaction.