As a business owner, having a forklift is an essential tool that can be used for safe, quick, and efficient transportation. Forklifts can move materials and pallets much quicker and easier than manpower could. These indispensable machines can be used in a warehouse, factory, or on a construction site. As there are various brands, types, and models of forklifts, there is sure to be one that suits all your needs.
This article intends to give some insight into the types of forklifts, their uses, and which models and forklift brands make the best forklift to buy. Using this information, business owners can confidently make a forklift purchase backed by quality information.
Types of Forklifts
Warehouse Forklift
This is the type of lift truck most people bring to mind when they think of forklifts. They’re primarily used in warehouses, hence the name, as they are perfect for loading and unloading items such as pallets. Warehouse forklifts are also useful for general transport of items around a warehouse or factory setting over short distances and unloading and loading at variable heights. With a warehouse forklift, operators can perform several duties quicker and more efficiently. Additionally, attachments can be purchased for these lifts to increase the versatility of them.
Side Loader
The Side Loader is a subset of the warehouse forklift. They’re typically found in large manufacturing facilities. A single operator drives the side loader, like the warehouse forklift. Objects or materials are loaded and unloaded on the side of the lift making it perfect for navigating tight aisles as they don’t need to turn to load or unload. Side Loaders are also ideal for heavy and long materials like metallic pipes. With long materials running parallel to the driver and forklift, the operator can navigate the lengthy materials through narrow aisles.
Counterbalance Forklift
Another lift similar in design to the warehouse forklift is the counterbalance forklift. The name is resultant of the design of the lift—a weight in the back of the lift balances loads carried in the front. This design makes it the perfect lift when high maneuverability is necessary. Counterbalance forklifts are commonly seen in warehouses where the material is moved around frequently. The counterbalance design gives greater safety and security knowing materials and the lift are stable.
Telescopic Handler
The telescopic handler, or telehandler, is a more industrious lift. These machines are generally larger and capable of handling much greater weights than typical lifts. They come with an extendable arm and boom, allowing the machine to be used as a sort of crane. They’re built like a mix between a crane and forklift. Telescopic handlers are ideal when material needs to be loaded or unloaded from greater heights and even odd angles.
Industrial Forklift
An industrial forklift is similar in design to a warehouse lift, but it’s built to handle extreme weights. An industrial forklift can also reach heights greater than a standard warehouse lift can. These lifts can often carry up to 30,000 pounds of materials. Industrial forklifts are often used on construction sites where heavy materials need to be transported around the site. These lifts are only for specific use cases, and for that reason, you won’t find them in your standard warehouse.
Order Picking Truck
An order picking truck is another warehouse or factory standard lift built for indoor, commercial use. Order picking trucks can lift a worker on an elevated platform that is often surrounded by railings for safety. The worker also operates the lift, raising himself and a platform. This allows the operator to be raised to levels to load or unload out-of-reach items to be brought down to ground level. The order picking truck is a great asset to have in warehouses where items need to be collected frequently from shelves.
Rough Terrain Forklift
Rough Terrain Forklifts are more rugged machines built for outdoor use. They come designed with large, sturdy tires to navigate uneven or rocky surfaces. In addition, they often have a caged cab to ensure the operator is safe on-site. The design is intended to give balance and stability while transporting materials. Rough Terrain Forklifts are ideal for construction sites.
Pallet Jack
Pallet Jacks are small lifts primarily used for moving around lighter materials. They are operated by hand with a handle giving the operator the ability to steer the jack underneath pallets. From there, the operator can hand crank the pallet to give clearance under the jack. As pallet jacks are small and maneuverable, they’re great for use in tight spaces and can be used all over warehouses and factories. As they’re much smaller and used by hand, these are significantly cheaper than other forklifts.
Stacker
Another handled forklift, the stacker is operated by one person who walks behind the lift. This type of forklift is for specific use cases. Typically, stackers are used for transporting pallets over a short distance where the power of a warehouse forklift is not necessary. Although there are many styles of stackers, they often have a tall mast that allows a single operator to load and unload items from elevated surfaces. Although similar to a pallet jack, they have the advantage of being able to elevate the forks.
Reach Fork Truck
Reach Fork Trucks are built for indoor pallet loading and unloading. They often have a tall build, allowing the operator to reach great heights quickly and easily. Reach Fork Trucks are ideal when warehouse forklifts cannot reach goods. They’re primarily seen in warehouses where pallets are stacked high on racks. Most Reach Fork Trucks have an open back allowing the operator to have unblocked visibility.
Best Forklift Brands
Every year, around August, Modern Materials Handling creates a comprehensive list of the years best selling forklift manufacturers. They base the selling data on 7 different classes of lift trucks created by The Industrial Truck Association. These classes include:
- Electric motor trucks that have a cushion or pneumatic tires
- Electric motor trucks for narrow aisles with solid tires
- Electric hand trucks or riding trucks with solid tires
- Internal combustion engine trucks, where the rider sits, for indoor use with cushion tires complete with cushion tires
- The internal combustion engine, where the rider sits, for outdoor use complete with pneumatic tires
- Electric or internal combustion engine that can tow at least 1000 pounds
- Diesel engines used on outdoor, rough terrain, with pneumatic tires
Created in August 2019, the last list indicated 2018 posted new yearly highs for lift truck sales. The largest 5 brands in the field increased their sales by 5% or more since 2017. All the leading brands maintained their rank from 2017 as well. The top five manufacturers are as follows.
1. Toyota Industries Corporation
Toyota Industries, the same company making cars, is the top forklift seller in the world, again. Toyota is headquartered in Aichi, Japan. They create forklifts under the brand names of Toyota, Raymond, and CESBAD. From 2017 to 2018, they increased their revenue by 16.7%.
2. KION Group AG
KION Group is based in Wiesbaden, Germany. Their North America headquarters is in Summerville, South Carolina. The company produces forklifts under Linde and Baoli. KION Group increased its revenue by 5.2% from 2017 to 2018.
3. Jungheinrich AG
Jungheinrich is another Germany based company with its headquarters in Hamburg. Jungheinrich saw a 5.9% increase in revenue between 2017 and 2018. The company has a distribution and manufacturing deal with Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America. That leaves their North American base in Houston, Texas.
4. Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Logisnext has its headquarters in Kyoto, Japan. This same Mitsubishi has the same headquarters in Houston, Texas. The greater company of Mitsubishi Logisnext has several brands including CAT, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, Nichiyu, UniCarriers, TCM, and Rocla. In North America, forklifts are primarily sold under CAT, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, and Junghienrich. The company gained 11.4% in revenue from 2017 to 2018.
5. Crown Equipment Corporation
Crown Equipment Corporation is an American company based in New Bremen, Ohio. Crown Equipment sells its forklift under its brand name, Crown. From 2017 to 2018, Crown experienced a 13% increase in revenue.
Forklift Reviews
Big Joe Three Wheel Counterbalanced Forklift
This three-wheeled forklift is your go-to warehouse forklift. As a counterbalanced forklift, operators have greater security knowing their stability is heightened. Operated by a powerful AC motor, and complete with pneumatic tires, Big Joe’s counterbalance forklift can handle any basic warehouse needs.
Main Features:
- 3500-pound capacity
- AC hydraulic lift motor and AC drive motor
- Headlights, flashing lights, turn signals
- Pneumatic tires
- 48V 425 AH Industrial Battery
Toyota’s Counter Balance Stacker
Toyota offers three well-built counterbalanced stackers. These machines range from 2000-4000-pound capacities. They’re built for convenient use in the warehouse, as they’re tall, but narrow at only 34.1 inches wide.
Main Features:
- 2000-4000-pound capacity
- 111-122-inch, right angle stack
- Premium control features
Linde Electric Warehouse Pallet Truck
Linde’s pallet jack is built for ease of use. This pallet truck is an ideal, cost-effective solution for short-distance transportation within a warehouse or factory setting. It’s easy to use as it comes with dual butterfly control levels and precision traction control.
Main Features:
- 3300-pounds load capacity
- Electric powered—85Ah long-life battery
- Dual control levels allow great maneuverability
Mitsubishi High-Level Electric Order Picker
This high-quality picker comes with 3-phase AC technology to give greater power, lift, and acceleration. It’s built ergonomically to ensure it is stable, and precise in control. Mitsubishi’s order picker is built with an advanced platform giving optimum visibility to the operator. It includes an interactive display showing performance indicators as well.
Main Features:
- 3000-pound capacity
- Maximum fork height of 238 inches
- Up to 16 hours of battery life
- Electric power steering
- Low energy consumption
CAT Class 5 IC Pneumatic Diesel Forklift
This heavy-duty forklift is a reliable industrial and rough terrain forklift that can handle any environment and carry any material. This lift is built with a twin-turbo 4.4 L, four-cylinder diesel engine that offers exceptional power to meet all your needs. The interior has an LED/LCD display to give the operator the ability to monitor all systems while working. The forklift comes with enhanced safety features such as LED work lights, seat belt detection system, orange belt, and more.
Main Features:
- 22,000- 36,000-pound capacity based on the model of choice
- Diesel engine
- Maximum fork height of 263.5 inches
- Various add-on cab options like defrost, heating and AC systems
Jungheinrich Multi-Purpose Moving Mast Reach Truck
Jungheinrich’s multi-purpose reach truck comes with pneumatic tires allowing it to be used inside and outside. It features state-of-the-art AC technology giving it quality speed control, superior acceleration, and smooth handling. The braking system recycles energy giving the battery further life. It has 3-phase technology for driving, lifting, and steering. This reach truck is designed with the operator in mind, including an easy-to-read LED display, soloPILOT and multiPILOT handling, and an interior designed for optimal visibility.
Main Features:
- 3500-pound capacity
- Fast-charging lithium-ion battery
- Maximum fork height of 291.3 inches
- Pneumatic tires
CAT TH3510D Ag Telehandler
Another beautifully constructed forklift, CAT has created an advanced telehandler to meet all your outdoor forklift needs. It comes with advanced stability features, an ergonomically designed interior for maximum comfort. This telehandler was designed to give the best speed and power while keeping excellent maneuverability.
Main Features:
- 7716-pound load capacity
- Maximum reach height of 31.1 feet
- Load-sensing hydraulic system
- Various tire options from Michelin and firestone
Crown TSP Narrow-Aisle Side Loader
Crown offers two varieties of their narrow-aisle turret trucks. Each of them is built with speed, capacity, and maximum height reach in mind. They are built to give operators precise control, quality comfort, and unmatched safety features. The cab design allows the operator to have great visibility during usage.
Main Features:
- 3300-pound capacity
- 478-inch or 622-inch maximum height
- 48V or 72/80V battery
Forklift FAQ
Where to buy a forklift?
Depending on your location, you could find a physical forklift retailer in your area. You can also purchase forklifts online from various distribution websites. Forklifts are also able to be purchased directly from the manufacturers. If you have a specific forklift or manufacturer you’d like to use, check out their website for local retailers or shipping options.
What is the best type of forklift?
The best type of forklift depends upon the need of the business. By fully and accurately assessing a business’s needs, they can be compared to the uses for each type of forklift. For example, if your business needs a lift for small, narrow aisles, a pallet lifter might be best. However, if you have a warehouse where you need to reach items stored high up on racks, an order picking forklift would be the best option.
How much do forklifts weigh?
Forklift weight highly depends upon the type of forklift you have. Telescoping handlers can weigh up to 29,000 pounds. However, a pallet jack may only weigh 180 pounds. A typical warehouse forklift may weigh anywhere between 4000 pounds and 9000 pounds, depending on the make and model of the machine.
What kind of attachments are available?
There are numerous attachments available for forklifts. Each attachment has a different purpose and may have a significantly different cost.
- Fork positioner: allows the operator to move the forks closer together or further apart
- Drum handler: mechanical attachment that allows the forklift operator to lift heavy drums
- Telescoping forks: extension arms that give further length, height, and sometimes strength to forklifts; turns a standard forklift into a telehandler
- Scales: attaches to the forks to weigh pallets
- Man basket: typically a steel basket that is caged that allows a man to stand on or inside the basket to be raised and lowered by the forklift
- Hoppers: various types that are used to hold, carry, and transport waste or other materials; a large basket, made of steel or plastic
- Arm extensions/slippers: extending arms that “slip” onto existing arms of the forklift; they give greater reach to the forklift
- Rotator: mechanical attachment that allows the forklift arms to be rotated, so the operator can pick up items with the arms at an angle
- Side shifter: an attachment allowing the driver to shift the load being carried to the left or right; used for tight spaces, so the forklift itself doesn’t have to move
- Dimensioning device: a system used to measure dimensions allowing for space to be properly utilized
- Snow Plough: attachment to plow/remove snow from surfaces
- Pole attachments: an attachable pole used to pick up items like carpets which require a pole stuck through the middle
Do forklifts need maintenance?
Yes, forklifts need maintenance. Depending on who you purchase your forklift from, the provider may offer a planned maintenance schedule. This gives assurance knowing your forklift will be taken care of without parts unexpectedly going faulty.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the forklift industry is comprehensive. There are many makes, models, and various brands that specialize in different types of forklifts. Finding the correct forklift can seem overwhelming, but hopefully this article has made it clearer. With all the information presented, you should have the confidence to choose the correct forklift for your business.