A vast type of forklift trucks are available on the market. They come in different sizes, shapes, and are designed for differing applications. With that said, choosing the type that can best accommodate all your individual and/or company’s needs can be a very tough and demanding task. As a buyer, you expect that the product you are investing in, meets a number of specifications such as reliability and productivity.
However when considering which type of forklift truck to purchase, you should take some considerations into account, such as: the size of the warehouse, how items are stacked, the size and weight of the loads you plan to handle, and many other things unique to you warehouse. It is essential to choose the right forklift truck for the right application in order to get the most out of your investment. Each type of forklift truck is designed to be used for a specific task and this will maximize your business profitability.
Pros and cons of the most common types of forklift trucks
Hand Pallet Truck – A non-powered tool designed for moving loaded pallets up to 3,500kg in weight. Hand pallet truck is very simple to operate. The operator just has to slide the forks beneath the pallet, pump the handle to raise the fork off the ground and move the load using the handle. This type of lifting truck does not have high lifting capability as it can lift the pallet only enough to be moved. Hand pallet truck is available in a variety of models designed to meet the different types of pallet designs.
Counterbalance Forklift Truck – This is the most common type of forklift truck used in warehouses. It features operator’s cabin, sideshifts, mast tilt and forks which literally stick out from the front of the vehicle. This enables operators to drive the vehicle to the exact location of the load. These forklift trucks work on a counterbalance wight principle – the weight located in the rear cancels out the weight of the load that is lifted at the front. Counterbalance forklift trucks are available as electric, gas or diesel powered.
Reach Truck – Designed mainly for warehouse operation, reach trucks offer maximum lift height with extraordinary maneuverability which means they can lift to excellent heights in very tight working environments. Although reach trucks are amazing for indoor use, they are not recommended to be used in outside work. This is due to their low under-carriage clearance which can cause problems on uneven surfaces.
