Fork Lift Association & Thorough Examination

What are the different types of forklifts?


Unless you’re in the forklift industry, need to buy forklifts or you’re a keen enthusiast, one forklift probably looks pretty much like another.


In this short article, our aim is to help you distinguish between 6 types of forklift and the specific jobs each one is designed to carry out.


1. Pallet Truck


Not the first thing to come to mind when you think of a forklift truck, but a pallet truck is a forklift. If you’ve not seen one, a pallet truck is a pedestrian-operated, slightly bigger version of a hydraulic car jack. But, instead of a lifting arm, it has two horizontal, extended forks.


A pallet truck has limited reach and is only designed to move objects (pallets etc.) at ground level, but some of the more advanced models, such as the Hyster P Series, is capable of lifting 2.2 tonnes.


2. Counterbalance Forklift


Usually used in warehouses or shop floors, counterbalance forklifts are what most of us imagine when we think of a forklift truck.


Typically, a counterbalance forklift will have two forks protruding from the front and rear-wheel steering, and certain models have three wheels to provide better manoeuvrability, particularly in a warehouse or retail setting.


3. Sideloader Forklift


The sideloader forklift has a wide set of forks along its side. It comes into its own down narrow aisles or when you need to lift wider loads such as planks of wood or long pipes.


One of the key benefits of a side loader forklift is that it allows the driver a clear view from the cab, both in front and behind.


4. Rough Terrain Forklift


A rough terrain forklift is specially designed for working on building sites or quarries, anywhere the terrain is too rough or uneven for a regular forklift.


Two distinctive features of a rough terrain forklift are its inflatable, deep-tread tyres, and its powerful engine to allow it to comfortably navigate the various gradients of unpredictable terrains.


5. Industrial Reach Forklift


One of the standout features of an industrial reach forklift is its ability to reach extremely high loads, whilst also remaining stable. To achieve this feat of stability, the industrial reach forklift is equipped with robust stabilising legs designed to absorb the weight of the load being lifted.


An industrial reach forklift is particularly useful in a retail warehouse, where loads need to be moved from one high rack to another.


6. Combilift Forklifts


Combilift forklifts are all-wheel-drive, multidirectional forklift trucks that easily switch from front to side loaders. And, because of their unique multidirectional steering system, Combilift forklifts are some of the most easy to manoeuvre forklifts on the market, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use.


At Beds & Bucks Forktrucks Ltd, we have a huge range of all types of new forklifts and used forklifts, including all those mentioned above. The brands we stock include Combilift, Hyster, Aisle-Master and many more.



What are the different types of forklifts?