What Are the Types of Forklifts, and Which Do I Need for My Business?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.