Forklifts

About Forklifts

Forklifts are one of the handiest vehicles in the construction equipment & supplies category. 

To the beginner, they might all look the same. However, some might find it surprising to discover just how many different types exist on the market today.  

Elements

An impressive amount of weight that these vehicles can handle sometimes seems disproportionate to their size. The key is in their special design, focused on the lift capacity, load centre, and stability. 

• Lift capacity: The lift capacity determines the weight that a unit can carry without compromising stability. 
• Load centre: This is the distance between the forks and the centre of load gravity. The measurement varies depending on several factors, such as the lift and tilt angles, as well as the weight of the load.
• Stability: The area under the forklift is known as the stability triangle. It maintains the gravity centre to prevent the vehicle from tipping over. 

Types

• Warehouse forklift
• Industrial forklift
• Industrial side loader forklifts
• Telescopic handler forklifts
• Counterbalance forklift
• Rough terrain forklift
• Order picker
• Pallet Jack
• Walkie stacker
• Reach fork truck

Warehouse Forklift

This is the most recognisable type of lift truck, recognisable by its distinctive yellow colour and twin forks extending from the front. Its typical application is in warehouses where it handles ample inventory - hence the name. Warehouse lifting vehicles are perfect for loading/unloading and transporting pallets and similar items from delivery vehicles.

Industrial Side Loader Forklifts 

This is, essentially, a subtype of the warehouse forklift, primarily used in steel service centres and manufacturing facilities. It’s designed for handling large, heavy items, allowing the operator to stand in a sideways compartment while controlling the loader. 

Side loading bears a special kind of convenience since the vehicle can easily move along the narrow corridors without having to turn. That makes this loader type ideal for navigating aisles in large supermarkets. 

Counterbalance Forklift

With forks in the front and weight in the back, the counterbalance forklift easily handles a substantial weight. It features no extending arms, so it’s able to move straight to the load. 

Several different types of counterbalance forklifts exist on the market. The 3-wheel version is excellent for application in places where a lot of turning and manoeuvring is required. On the other hand, a stand-up counterbalance model allows more convenience to the operators. 

Telescopic Handler Forklifts

Also called “reach forklift,” this type features a boom and extendable arm, which can double as a crane when needed. The arm has two forks attached to pick up the load off the ground. A standard telehandler is capable of lifting over two tons of weight up to six meters in the air. 

Industrial Forklift

This type is known as a large capacity forklift, combining the functional properties of a warehouse forklift and a telehandler. It’s capable of lifting heavy payloads high in the air, handling over 13 tons with ease. 

Rough Terrain Forklift

A straight mast forklift is designed for outdoor use, with notable performance on uneven surfaces. Its firm pneumatic tires, oversized and threaded, navigate rocky ground with ease, while the balanced base ensures balance and stability to the transport.  

Pallet Jack

Pallet jacks, or pump trucks, are small in size compared to the typical models. However, a small footprint allows them to navigate even the tightest spaces and fit small loads in compact sections. 

Walkie Stacker

Walkie stackers are similar to pallet jacks in properties. Their unusual appearance is justified in utility, reaching much higher off the ground than most other regular models. Walkie stacker owes its name to the design that allows the worker to walk behind and manoeuvre with the help of an attached handle. 

Order Picker

An order picker is a variety of walkie stackers used mostly in warehouses for handling various items. This vehicle is designed to lift operators or carry one or two units at a time. Nevertheless, order pickers can handle items of various sizes.

Reach Fork Truck

This is designed for indoor use, mostly in warehouses. It is characterised by an extendable fork that can reach deep into the warehouse racks. At the same time, an open compartment provides excellent visibility to the operator. 

Forklift Classification

There are seven standard forklift classes that determine their fuel option and use.

• Class I: Electric Motor ride truck for indoor use.
• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle truck for inventory handling, battery fueled. 
• Class III: Electric motor hand truck for quick loading and short distances, battery operated.
• Class IV: Internal combustion engine with cushion tires for low-clearance situations, powered by gas or diesel.
• Class V: Internal combustion engine trucks equipped with pneumatic tires for use on rough surfaces, powered by gas or diesel
• Class VI: Electric/internal combustion engine tractors for hauling and towing loads, powered by gas, diesel, or battery. 
• Class VII: Rough terrain forklift truck for construction sites and high elevation lifting, gas- or diesel-fueled. 

Things to Consider Before Buying

When choosing a forklift, it’s crucial to know where and how the machinery will be used. 

• Estimating the average weight the vehicle is supposed to handle will help to determine the right capacity. 
• The height of the warehouse or other site needs to be sufficient for the vehicle to move freely. That includes roofing and all openings, doors and windows. 
• The terrain type is also a factor to consider, whether it’s smooth or rough. Also, it’s good to know if the ground can sustain the weight of a fully-loaded forklift.

If you need assistance to find the right forklifts for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.