{"id":26532,"date":"2019-06-10T16:53:55","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T06:53:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/?p=26532"},"modified":"2022-08-25T14:12:39","modified_gmt":"2022-08-25T04:12:39","slug":"different-forklift-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/different-forklift-types\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are The Different Forklift Types?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re picking a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forklift<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your warehouse or worksite, ensuring you get the right one is important. Not only are there several major brands with various models available, there\u2019s also a big selection of different forklift types that are suited to different tasks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So how do you choose?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll go over some of the most commonly seen forklift types on Machines4U and what they\u2019re capable of.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Forklift Types<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counterbalance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach Trucks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rough Terrain Forklifts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehandlers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sideloaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pallet Jacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walkie Stackers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counterbalance Forklifts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26536\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/counterbalance-forklift.jpg\" alt=\"Counterbalance forklift\" width=\"485\" height=\"388\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you were to imagine a forklift right now, 9 times out of 10 you\u2019d probably picture a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/forklift-truck-764\/counterbalance-forklift-4365\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">counterbalance forklift<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Easily the most common forklift on the market, counterbalance forklifts are the default choice for most buyers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their basic design\u2014a weight attached to the rear of the frame to counterbalance the load at the front\u2014and their straightforward use, make them an ideal choice for most applications. The forks on counterbalance forklifts are on the front of the machine, which makes it easy to line up and drive straight up to the load. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counterbalance forklifts are available with <\/span><a href=\"\/mag\/diesel-vs-lpg-vs-electric-forklifts-which-is-better\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPG, diesel or electric fuel sources<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, all of which have their own pros and cons. One of the major considerations with counterbalance forklifts is when and where you will be using them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though they are fairly simple and straightforward to operate, they can be quite bulky and hard to manoeuver. To make navigating tight areas a bit easier, many manufacturers offer 3-wheel models that have a reduced turning circle and higher manoeuverability compared to more traditional 4-wheel models. Primarily for indoor application, they are more than capable of handling outdoor work in most conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking for a forklift for general use, with no specific needs (like an abnormal reach height or very narrow access) then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/forklift-truck-764\/counterbalance-forklift-4365\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">counterbalance forklifts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the perfect place to start.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach Forklift Trucks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26537\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/reachtruck.jpg\" alt=\"Reach forklift truck\" width=\"429\" height=\"343\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As their name suggests, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/reach-truck-252\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reach forklifts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are designed to reach shelves and areas that other forklifts simply can\u2019t. Their superior reach makes them perfect for large warehouses, with some models able to reach a height of over 10m. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other forklifts can often reach decent lift heights, these machines are usually bulkier and aren\u2019t ideal for indoor use, unlike reach forklifts. Most reach trucks are designed for use in narrow aisles where there may not be a lot of space to work with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll find the cab of a reach forklift is generally more open than a counterbalance or rough terrain forklift, providing a better clearance view. This makes it easier to see when you\u2019re picking up loads from the top shelf. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their low ground clearance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/reach-truck-252\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reach forklifts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are not suited to outdoor use at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rough Terrain Forklifts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26538\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/outdoor-forklift.jpg\" alt=\"all terrain forklifts\" width=\"397\" height=\"264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/magmedia.machines4u.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/10155635\/outdoor-forklift-100x65.jpg 100w, https:\/\/magmedia.machines4u.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/10155635\/outdoor-forklift-360x240.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 397px) 100vw, 397px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast to reach trucks, rough terrain forklifts are the ideal choice for outdoor work. With heavy-duty tyres and a durable, rugged design, rough terrain forklifts are able to work in a \u00a0variety of outdoor settings. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common applications include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifting pallets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shifting supplies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving materials, like sand, gravel &amp; soil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loading &amp; unloading<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storing objects<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, their versatility exceeds that of many other forklifts thanks to the various attachments that are compatible with them. Not only can these forklifts lift pallets, shift work supplies or materials, and help load and unload, but they can also act as temporary work platforms, do light digging work, and even clean up after themselves. As long as you have the right attachment, rough terrain forklifts can do almost anything. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they are built to be narrow, so they can easily navigate around your worksite, rough terrain forklifts aren\u2019t built for the indoors and should only be used in outdoor applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehandlers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26539\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/telehandler.jpg\" alt=\"Telehandler\" width=\"430\" height=\"349\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">strictly <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a forklift, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/farm-machinery\/telehandler-251\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">telehandlers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are capable of acting in the place of some forklifts (primarily reach trucks), earning them a place in this article. When combined with pallet forks, telehandlers transform into forklifts with reach heights of over 15m. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their size, telehandlers are primarily an outdoor machine. But there are smaller models available that suit indoor applications in some situations. Telehandler lift capacity is dependent on the length and angle of the boom when it is extended, but some telehandlers are capable of handling upwards of 9 tonnes\u2014or in some cases, like the <\/span><a href=\"\/mag\/world-leading-telescopic-handlers-hit-australian-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">world-first Magni telehandler<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 50 tonnes\u2014making them ideal for lifting heavy pallets or material to high work areas that normal forklifts aren\u2019t able to access. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to heavy lifting and a high reach, telehandlers are compatible with a range of attachments that increase their versatility on your worksite. Things like: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work platforms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buckets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifting jibs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweepers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This incredible versatility, reach and lifting capacity is why they\u2019re so popular for many major construction projects.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sideloaders<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26540\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/sideloader.jpg\" alt=\"Sideloaders\" width=\"413\" height=\"342\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, a forklift with low manoeuverability is too bulky and unsuitable for tight, indoor areas. But sideloaders are the exception to this rule. Commonly found in industrial manufacturing facilities, sideloaders load and unload objects on their side. This design lets them travel along aisles and hallways without having to turn to unload\u2014making them a great choice for long loads, like timber or steel. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, there are larger models available as well. Often a similar size as a small truck or excavator, these sideloaders are great for moving large, heavy loads around or between worksites. They also eliminate the inconvenience of a full-sized truck driving through your worksite.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pallet Jacks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26541\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/pallet-jack.jpg\" alt=\"Pallet Jack\" width=\"481\" height=\"396\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possibly the most simple yet versatile of all forklift types, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/pallet-trucks-246\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pallet jacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are manual machines that are ideal for moving small loads around warehouses or large buildings. While traditional pallet jacks are completely manual, modern models are now often electric-powered, making it easier to move them around efficiently. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/pallet-trucks-246\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pallet jacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are simple and easy-to-use, they are also very basic and have limitations. They are fantastic at moving small loads from A to B, but they have no lift capacity, so you can only pick things up and then put them back down on the ground. This does limit their uses, but their low price and ease of use make them a popular addition in retail businesses and warehouses.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walkie Stackers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-26542\" src=\"\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/walkie-stackers.jpg\" alt=\"Walkie stackers\" width=\"317\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible, easy-to-use and versatile, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/walkie-stackers-250\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walkie stackers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a popular forklift that are commonly found through warehouses across Australia. Similar to pallet jacks in design, walkie stackers take it up a notch with a higher reach and more power. So you can move heavier loads quicker. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you do walk behind most walkie stackers, some have seats or a platform to stand on as you operate. This variety in design gives you plenty of choice to suit your needs and budget. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest benefit in getting a walkie stacker is their manoeuverability. Due to their simple, lightweight design, walkie stackers are easy to turn and manoeuvere around tight corners and through narrow aisles. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, they do lack the lifting height of reach forklifts or the lifting power of the more traditional forklifts, so carefully consider your needs before deciding whether a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/walkie-stackers-250\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walkie stacker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re in need of a simple pallet jack or want a rough terrain forklift to handle your outdoors work, there\u2019s plenty to forklift types choose from. Browse through our available <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forklift listings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see what\u2019s available. Or try your luck at a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/browse\/forklift\/forklift-auctions-4964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forklift auction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re picking a forklift for your warehouse or worksite, ensuring you get the right one is important. Not only are there several major brands with various models available, there\u2019s also a big selection of different forklift types that are suited to different tasks. So how do you choose? In this article, we\u2019ll go over [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":26535,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18990],"tags":[2909],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-26532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-material-handling","tag-forklifts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26532"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26532\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29573,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26532\/revisions\/29573"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26532"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=26532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}