Different Forklifts

| 30-04-2021
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What Forklift Type is Best for Your Business. There are different aspects to consider when choosing the right forklift truck for your business such as the kind of environment it will be operated in, the load capacities, the size of load it can handle, the power requirement it will run with are just some of the things to consider when buying one for your application. The SP Series order picker is designed with the operator in mind with increased visibility, stability and performance. Crown's man-up lift truck has longer shift life, proven diagnostics, a global parts/service network and lower total costs.

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Working in a warehouse, you’re bound to see a forklift or two carrying heavy loads. Forklifts can do more than this, though! Whether you’re interested in diversifying your fleet or learning more about these incredible trucks, you’ve come to the right place! Here are seven types of forklifts and the tasks they are used for.

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1. Four-Wheel Counterbalance

Different forklift names

Different Forklifts Types

The four-wheel counterbalance is the most common type of forklift. On the front, there are dual forks that are used to lift heavy or bulky loads. You can find counterbalance machines in all types of warehouse facilities.

2. Three-Wheel Counterbalance

This machine is almost the same as the four-wheel counterbalance except that it has three wheels. The benefit to this is that the trucks can fit through narrow spaces. For forklift mechanics working in small warehouses, this type of forklift is a great choice.

3. Side Loaders

Side loaders are also great for tight spaces. With this machine, there are forks that are mounted to the side of the truck. These forks pick up large loads that would be difficult to do with a traditional forklift. Side loaders that are used outdoors benefit from an enclosed cab, whereas ones being used indoors can be stand-up.

4. Reach Trucks

As their name implies, reach trucks are used to access objects that are high. They are extremely useful in warehouses where every bit of space is used. Reach trucks have long forks that can be raised up and down. The two main types available are stand-up trucks and double-deep trucks.

5. Teletrucks

Another option for reaching items that are out of reach is a teletruck. Teletrucks are essentially telescopic handler forklifts and can be confused with cranes. The benefit to using teletrucks is that they are easy to maneuver and can reach awkward angles, not just high ones.

6. Powered Pallet Trucks

Traditional pump trucks do not use electric power to lift materials. Instead, the operator pumps the jack using their own force. With powered pallet trucks, electric power is used. You can think of these trucks as being modernized versions of pump trucks. These machines are best used for skids and small packages.

7. Order Pickers

Order pickers have a neat job. They are made to “hand pick” specific items rather than complete pallets. The machines are used in warehouses in order to help workers pick orders. Some order pickers are fixated while others have mobile hands that allow them to reach higher shelves.

Who would have thought that there could be so many forklifts in a single warehouse? While many of these trucks have slightly different uses, each one has an important role. Most warehouses aren’t able to have every forklift in their fleet, but even a few can increase productivity and customer satisfaction.

Forklifts come in many different shapes and sizes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Below are some of the more common forklift types that Masslift sell and hire.

1) 4 Wheel Counterbalance

Different Forklift Brands

The most common forklift on the market. They are straight forward forklifts with dual forks in the front and used to lift heavy loads. All three fuel types being Electric, Diesel & LP Gas come in the 4-wheel option. Capacities vary from 1.5 - 25 Tons pending on the fuel type with masts as high as 7m.

2) 3 Wheel Electric Counterbalance

Exactly the same as 4-wheel counterbalance forklifts but the back wheels are closer together in the centre of the frame for improved turning ability. Used primarily where space constraints are a factor, like the narrow aisle warehouses. Ideal for 3.2m - 3.5m aisles.

3) Reach Trucks

Different Forklifts And Their Names

Built to lift loads up to heights of 13m, these machines allow warehouses to use very high aisle setups and ultimately save space with narrow spacing between aisles (roughly 2.6m-3.1m). With Mitsubishi, you can choose between a Stand-On and Sit-On Reach Truck. The Reach Truck capacities vary from 0.9 Tons - 3.0 Tons with the 1.4 Ton and 2 Ton being the most common option. Like all warehousing equipment, Reach Trucks can only be used indoors and must work on clean flat surfaces.

4) Power Pallet Trucks

An electric version of the popular Pallet Jack also known as a Pump Truck. These machines help you manoeuvre pallets or other heavy goods quickly and easily within a warehouse and can lift up to 100m off the ground.

5) Stackers

Stackers are like Power Pallet Trucks but with a mast allowing the ability to lift pallets to a maximum height of 5.4m They are also known for their ease of use and are cheaper than conventional forklifts. This product is great to use in smaller warehouses. There are two types of Stackers offered depending on the pallet type used being, ‘Fork Over’ and ‘Straddle Stackers’.

6) Order Pickers

Order pickers are designed for “Hand Picking” rather than moving full pallets. They allow personnel to quickly and efficiently pick orders in a warehouse. The basic model will lift the platform to the second row of racking (1-2m). High-level order pickers can elevate the worker to a picking height of 11.5m allowing them to reach products stored in higher positions.

Different Forklifts In Warehouse

7) Rough Terrain

Rough Terrain forklifts are built to operate in rough uneven conditions such as gravel, sand and even muddy surfaces. The main difference between the conventional forklift and a Rough Terrain forklift is that the latter has a suspension.

Different Forklift Sizes

8) Articulated Forklift

Different Forklift Names

Articulated forklifts allow for very narrow aisles (1.5 - 2m wide). This is because they do not have to right angle stack as the mast can articulate into either side of the racking. Masslift offers the Combilift Aisle-Master which has a maximum mast height of 12.1m.