Choosing the right forklift for your business is essential to optimize productivity, safety and cost efficiency. There are various types of forklifts available on the market, with each designed for specific tasks and environments. Understanding the key differences will help you to make an informed decision for your operation.
- Counterbalance Forklift
- Reach Truck
- Pallet Trucks
- Articulated Forklifts
- Sideloader Forklifts
- Telehandler
- Rough Terrain Forklifts
- Walkie Stacker
- Walkie Reach Stacker
- Order Picker
1. Counterbalance Forklift
Overview:
Counterbalance forklifts are the most commonly used forklifts in warehouses and factories. They feature a weight at the rear of the vehicle to balance the load being lifted at the front. These forklifts are straightforward in design, with forks protruding from the front of the vehicle, allowing the operator to drive up to the load directly.
Best For:
- Indoor and outdoor use.
- Standard palletized goods.
- Warehouses, retail distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.
Pros:
- Simple operation.
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use.
- High lifting capacities
Considerations:
- If your business requires handling heavy goods or needs a forklift capable of both indoor and outdoor operations, a counterbalance forklift may be the ideal choice.
You can check out our full range of new Counterbalance forklifts here.
2. Reach Trucks
Overview:
Reach trucks are specifically designed for narrow aisles in warehouse environments. The name comes from the truck’s ability to extend its forks beyond the body to “reach” loads in high or tight spaces. Reach trucks typically have a smaller frame and higher lifting capacities, making them ideal for indoor use in space constrained environments.
Best For:
- Narrow aisle warehouses.
- High-racking systems.
- Indoor use.
Pros:
- Excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.
- High lifting capabilities, up to 10 meters.
- Energy efficient, often powered by electricity.
Considerations:
- If you’re operating in a warehouse with narrow aisles and high racks, a reach truck will optimize space usage and improve productivity. However, they are not suited for outdoor or uneven terrain operations.
You can check out our full range of new Reach Trucks here.
3. Pallet Trucks
Overview:
Pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks, are the simplest type of forklift and are used to lift and move pallets within short distances. They come in manual and electric models, with the latter offering more power and ease of use.
Best For:
- Light duty lifting.
- Small scale warehouse operations.
- Loading and unloading trucks.
Pros:
- Cost effective.
- Compact and easy to operate.
- Ideal for low height pallet moving.
Considerations:
- If your business involves small scale pallet handling or limited space, a pallet jack may suffice. However, for higher or heavier loads, other forklift types would be more appropriate.
You can check out our full range of new Pallet Trucks here.
4. Articulated Forklifts
Overview:
An articulated forklift is a versatile type of forklift known for its ability to pivot and articulate its mast and forks, allowing it to work efficiently in tight spaces. Unlike traditional forklifts, these machines have a central articulation point that enables them to navigate narrow aisles and confined areas. Articulated forklifts are often used in warehousing, manufacturing, and retail environments where space optimization is critical. They are highly maneuverable and can operate in aisles as narrow as 1.6 meters, making them ideal for maximizing storage space.
Best For:
- Warehouses with narrow aisles: Designed to handle tight spaces, articulated forklifts excel in environments with narrow aisles, where conventional forklifts may struggle.
- Businesses looking to maximize storage: By reducing aisle space requirements, these forklifts allow businesses to add more racking or storage space, improving overall warehouse capacity.
- Indoor and outdoor use: Many models are versatile enough to operate both indoors and outdoors, making them suitable for various industries.
- Distribution centers: Where the fast movement of goods and space efficiency are critical to operations.
Pros:
- Maximizes warehouse space: Can work in very narrow aisles, allowing businesses to increase storage density.
- Highly maneuverable: Their articulated design allows them to turn sharply, making them ideal for confined spaces.
- Versatile operations: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments and can handle different types of loads, including pallets and odd-shaped cargo.
Considerations:
- Operator training: Due to the unique operation style, operators may require additional training to use articulated forklifts efficiently and safely.
- Maintenance complexity:The articulated design and additional components can make these forklifts more complex to maintain and repair compared to standard models.
- Capacity limitations: While highly versatile, some articulated forklifts may have lower load capacities than conventional forklifts, depending on the model.
You can check out our full range of new Articulated Forklifts here.
5. Sideloader Forklift
Overview:
A sideloader forklift is a specialized type of forklift designed to handle long, bulky loads, such as timber, pipes, and sheet materials, that are difficult to maneuver with conventional forklifts. Unlike traditional forklifts, a sideloader’s forks are mounted on the side of the vehicle, allowing it to lift and carry loads parallel to the machine. This design enables the forklift to easily navigate narrow aisles and corridors while carrying large items. Sideloaders are particularly popular in industries that handle long materials, like manufacturing, lumber yards, and steel processing plants.
Best For:
- Handling long, bulky loads: Sideloaders excel at carrying long materials such as timber, steel, or pipes, making them ideal for industries where these items are common.
- Narrow aisle environments: Because they can carry loads sideways, sideloaders are perfect for warehouses or storage areas with narrow aisles, where turning around might be difficult for a standard forklift.
- Outdoor and indoor operations: With models designed for both indoor and outdoor use, sideloaders are versatile and can operate on rough terrain or smooth floors.
- Manufacturing plants and material yards: Sideloaders are commonly used in places that deal with long or awkwardly shaped materials that are difficult to handle with traditional forklifts.
Pros:
- Efficient handling of long materials: The side-loading design allows operators to move long or oversized materials with ease, improving safety and productivity.
- Space optimization: By carrying loads on the side, sideloaders can work efficiently in narrow aisles and compact spaces, reducing the required turning radius.
- Improved operator visibility: The design offers good visibility when transporting large loads, as the load is not directly in front of the operator.
- Load stability: The side position of the load often provides more stability when transporting lengthy items, reducing the risk of tipping or damage.
Considerations:
- Specialized application: While highly effective for certain tasks, sideloaders are specialized equipment, so they may not be as versatile for general forklift tasks.
- Limited lifting height: Some sideloaders may have limitations in terms of lifting height compared to other forklifts, depending on the model and specifications.
- Maintenance: With their unique design and features, sideloaders can require specialized maintenance, which might be more costly or require specific expertise.
You can check out our full range of new Sideloader Forklifts here.
6. Telehandler
Overview:
Telehandlers, also known as telescopic forklifts, are highly versatile machines with a boom that extends outward and upward. The boom allows the operator to reach high or hard to access areas. Telehandlers often come with various attachments, making them suitable for multiple industries.
Best For:
- Construction sites.
- Agriculture.
- Outdoor lifting.
Pros:
- Capable of lifting loads to extreme heights.
- Multipurpose functionality with interchangeable attachments.
- Can handle rough terrain.
Considerations:
- If your business is in construction, agriculture, or any industry requiring high lifting on uneven surfaces, a telehandler may be the right option. However, they can be overkill for standard warehouse operations. In these cases, you might be able to instead use a telefork!
You can check out our full range of new Telehandlers here.
7. Rough Terrain Forklifts
Overview:
Designed for outdoor use on uneven or rough surfaces, rough terrain forklifts are robust, with large pneumatic
tires that provide better stability and traction. They are commonly used on construction and mining sites,
industrial yards and farms.
Best For:
- Outdoor use on rugged terrain.
- Construction / mining sites and farms.
- Lifting heavy materials over long distances outdoors.
Pros:
- Superior stability on rough surfaces.
- High lifting capacity.
- Durable and rugged.
Considerations:
- If your business operations are primarily outdoors or on uneven terrain, a rough terrain forklift is an excellent choice. However, they are less efficient for indoor warehouse work.
You can check out our full range of new Rough Terrain Forklifts here.
8. Walkie Stacker
Overview:
Walkie stackers are compact, electric-powered forklifts designed for low to medium-intensity material handling tasks. Unlike traditional sit-down forklifts, operators walk behind or alongside the machine, controlling it via a tiller handle. These stackers are often used in smaller warehouses, retail stores, or storage facilities for stacking and transporting pallets. Walkie stackers are ideal for lighter loads and shorter distances and are available in both manual and powered lifting options. They are commonly used for tasks like loading/unloading trucks, stacking pallets in racking systems, and general material movement within confined spaces. You can also get a counterbalance walkie stacker which combines the benefits of a counterbalance forklift outlined earlier in this article for more lifting capacity.
Best For:
- Small to medium warehouses: Especially useful in tight spaces where larger forklifts may not be able to maneuver.
- Retail stores and distribution centers: Ideal for handling lighter loads and pallet stacking in environments with lower storage heights.
- Small to medium warehouses: Suitable for moving loads over short distances, such as from one area of a warehouse to another.
- Low-to-medium lifting height requirements: Designed for stacking and moving pallets at relatively low heights compared to traditional forklifts.
Pros:
- Compact size: Walkie stackers are much smaller and more maneuverable than traditional forklifts, making them perfect for narrow aisles and tight spaces.
- Cost-effective: They are generally more affordable than standard forklifts in terms of both initial purchase price and maintenance costs.
- User-friendly: Simple to operate, walkie stackers require less training than larger forklifts and offer intuitive controls, often making them a preferred choice for quick, on-the-go use.
- Low maintenance: With fewer complex parts than larger forklifts, walkie stackers tend to have lower maintenance requirements, reducing long-term operational costs./li>
Considerations:
- Limited lifting capacity: Walkie stackers are generally designed for lighter loads, often up to 2,500 kg, which may not be sufficient for heavier materials.
- Shorter range and speed: They are intended for short-distance operations and typically have slower movement speeds compared to larger forklifts.
- Lower lifting heights: Walkie stackers have a limited lifting range, usually up to 4-5 meters, which may not meet the requirements of facilities with high racking systems.
You can check out our full range of new Walkie Stackers here.
9. Walkie Reach Stacker
Overview:
A Walkie Reach Stacker is a compact, electric-powered forklift that combines the features of a walkie stacker with a reach function, allowing it to extend its forks forward for increased reach. This reach mechanism makes it ideal for handling pallets stored in deeper racks or shelves, providing enhanced versatility compared to traditional walkie stackers. Operators control the machine by walking behind it and using a tiller handle. Walkie reach stackers are often used in smaller warehouses or distribution centers where space optimization and ease of use are critical. They are suitable for indoor applications and provide a cost-effective solution for medium-duty lifting and stacking tasks.
Best For:
- Warehouses with deep racking systems: The reach capability allows it to handle pallets stored further back on shelves, making it ideal for warehouses that maximize vertical and horizontal storage space.
- Retail stores and light manufacturing: Suitable for businesses that require light to medium material handling tasks but need the added benefit of extended reach.
- Indoor use: Designed for indoor environments, especially where space is limited and tight maneuverability is required.
- Pallet handling in confined spaces: Ideal for stacking and retrieving pallets in narrow aisles and small storage areas.
Pros:
- Compact design: Its small size makes it highly maneuverable in tight spaces, allowing it to operate in narrow aisles and congested areas where larger forklifts would struggle.
- Cost-effective alternative: Compared to larger reach trucks, walkie reach stackers offer a more affordable solution for businesses with moderate lifting requirements.
- Ease of use: Simple controls and an intuitive interface make it user-friendly, requiring minimal training for operators.
- Safety features: Equipped with various safety features like automatic braking and load stability systems, ensuring safer operations in busy environments.
Considerations:
- Limited lifting capacity: Walkie reach stackers generally have lower lifting capacities compared to traditional reach trucks or forklifts, making them suitable only for lighter loads (often around 1,200 to 2,000 kg).
- Shorter lift heights: While they offer reach capabilities, their overall lift height is typically lower compared to larger reach trucks, which might be a limitation in warehouses with high racking systems.
- Indoor-only use: Not designed for outdoor environments or rough terrain; their performance is optimal only on smooth, indoor surfaces.
You can check out our full range of new Walkie Reach Stackers here.
10. Order Picker
Overview:
Order pickers are a specialized type of forklift used in warehouses to pick and deliver materials directly from racking systems. Unlike traditional forklifts, the operator is lifted with the load to retrieve items from high shelves.
Best For:
- High racking warehouses.
- Ecommerce and retail distribution.
- Picking small items at height.
Pros:
- Efficient for order fulfillment.
- Allows operators to access high shelves easily.
- Compact and maneuverable in narrow aisles.
Considerations:
- Order pickers are ideal for businesses that require frequent picking of individual items from high shelves, such as in ecommerce or retail distribution. However, they are not suitable for heavy duty lifting or outdoor use.
You can check out our full range of new Order Pickers here.
CONCLUSION
The type of forklift your business needs depends on your operational environment, load capacity and space constraints. For general indoor and outdoor use, counterbalance forklifts are a versatile option. If your business operates in a narrow aisle warehouse, reach trucks or order pickers may be the most efficient choice. On the other hand, businesses operating in construction or rough terrain will benefit from telehandlers or rough terrain forklifts.
By considering the specific requirements of your business, you can select the forklift that maximizes productivity, safety, and cost efficiency.
Whether you’re looking for a new or used forklift, we have a wide range available for order or purchase.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of our exclusive RentToOwn Program. We also offer short term hire (less than 3 months) and long term hire (more than 3 months) on our 4,000+ strong fleet of machines.
Our customer service and sales teams here at Fork Force Australia are available to discuss flexible options to suit your needs. We can support you across Australia, including Queensland (Brisbane and Toowoomba), New South Wales (Sydney and Newcastle),Victoria (Melbourne), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia(Perth) or even Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT. For more details on our stock or to discuss your requirements, give us a call at 1300 192 366 or request a quote today.
