They’re one of the most common types of forklift truck, but the chances are (unless you’re in the forklift industry or regularly work with forklifts), you probably haven’t heard the term, counterbalance forklift.
If you fall into the ‘never heard of a counterbalance forklift’ category, this short article will give you a quick introduction to this type of forklift, and why it’s so widely used by so many businesses for a range of lifting applications.
Simply put, a counterbalance forklift is a forklift that has an extremely heavy weight situated at the rear of the truck, (in an electric counterbalance forklift, this weight would be the battery) which offsets (counterbalances) the weight of the load being lifted at the front.
This design of a counterbalance forklift means that it doesn’t require any stabilising arms to manage loads. This benefit, plus the fact it has front-facing forks and rear-wheel steering, means that a counterbalance forklift can lift, deposit and manoeuvre in tighter spaces than other types of forklifts.
Many businesses across the world, and in a variety of sectors choose to buy or rent counterbalance forklifts for a whole range of reasons, whether it comes down to cost, the layout of their premises, the terrain, load type etc. See below for a list of a few of the key reasons.
If you manage or work in a warehouse, you’ll be fully aware that forklift duties aren’t always confined to just indoor or just outdoor work, therefore it’s imperative your forklift is equipped to do both. Most counterbalance forklifts are versatile enough for indoor and outdoor work. However, if you do intend to regularly use your counterbalance forklift indoors and outdoors, a low-emission LPG model would be best suited.
Counterbalance forklifts are available in all main fuel types, including Diesel, Electric and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), therefore providing businesses with the choice they need to find the right forklift even when other factors such as cost, premises type, and intended use may influence their decision.
Below we’ve listed the three main fuel types, including diesel, LPG and electric, and some of the reasons your business may prefer one over the other for your counterbalance forklift solutions.
Diesel – Although not recommended for indoor use, a diesel-powered counterbalance forklift comes into its own when used for outdoor applications, due to its ability to handle uneven terrain, work in all weather conditions, and the ease with which it can be refuelled.
LPG – As already mentioned, an LPG-powered forklift is ideal for working indoors and outdoors due to it emitting very few emissions, and many of the top brand models provide the same power and performance as a diesel alternative.
Electric – Whilst most electric counterbalance forklifts aren’t intended for constant outdoor use when used indoors, these forklifts provide high lifting capabilities, plus the necessary speed and precision, without emitting any toxic fumes.
A high quality, counterbalance forklift, particularly those manufactured by brands such as Hyster, Combilift, or Aisle Master etc., are precision engineered to keep providing a high level of performance for many years. However, this exceptional quality in the manufacture of your counterbalance forklift doesn’t mean you’re let off from daily checks and regular maintenance, or that you shouldn’t get it serviced at least annually, by a professional forklift engineer.
If you’re looking to rent one or multiple forklifts for your business, contact Beds & Bucks Forktrucks Ltd, one of the UK's leading forklift rental and sales companies, specialising in brands including Hyster, Combilift, Clark and Aisle Master.
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