A forklift is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances.
The forklift was developed in the early 20th century by various companies, including Clark, Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, Crown Equipment Corporation, and Hyster Company.
Forklifts have become an indispensable piece of equipment in many industries, from manufacturing to warehousing.
There are now different types of forklifts available for indoor and outdoor work.
Outdoor forklifts are specially designed for rough terrain, while indoor forklifts are better suited for smooth surfaces.
Whether you need a forklift for industrial or agricultural use, there is definitely a type that will suit your needs.
Here are 20 different types of forklifts, categorized by their primary use.
Types of Forklifts for Indoor and Outdoor Work
There are different types of forklifts:
1. Warehouse Forklifts
One of the most popular types of forklifts is the warehouse forklift. These units are designed specifically for use in warehouses and other similar environments.
They are typically powered by either electricity or combustion and can be found in both sit-down and stand-up models.
Warehouse forklifts provide a number of advantages over other types of forklifts, including their ability to work in confined spaces and their relatively low cost of ownership.
2. Order Picker Forklifts
Order picker forklifts are a type of warehouse forklift that is specifically designed for order picking applications.
These units have a lifting platform that the operator stands on, and a set of forks that extend out in front of the unit.
Order picker forklifts are used to move individual items or small quantities of product from one location to another. They are typically powered by electricity.
Order picker forklifts provide a number of advantages over traditional warehouse forklifts, including the ability to pick orders from all four sides of the unit.
3. Reach Truck Forklifts
Reach truck forklifts are a type of warehouse forklift that is specifically designed for reaching high shelves and racks.
These units have a telescoping boom that extends out in front of the unit, and a set of forks that can be used to move product from one location to another.
4. Tow Tractor
Tow tractor forklifts are industrial forklift that is specifically designed for towing trailers and other types of vehicles.
These units have a towing hitch that is used to attach trailers.
5. Container Handler
Container handler forklifts are specifically designed for handling containers.
These units have a set of forks that can be used to move containers from one location to another and can also be used to stack containers on top of each other.
Container handler forklifts are typically powered by diesel.
6. Counterbalanced Forklifts
Counterbalanced forklifts are designed to lift and move heavy loads.
These units have a set of forks that extend out in front of the unit and a counterweight that is located at the rear of the unit.
Counterbalanced forklifts are typically powered by either electricity or diesel, and can be found in both sit-down and stand-up models.
7. Telehandler
Telehandler forklifts are a type of industrial forklift that is specifically designed for handling materials at height.
These units have a set of forks that can be used to move materials from one location to another.
8. Piggyback Forklift
Piggyback forklifts are a type of forklift that is specifically designed for moving trailers and other types of vehicles.
These units have a set of wheels that are located at the rear of the unit. Piggyback forklifts are also powered by diesel.
9. Turret Trucks
Turret trucks are designed for moving products around warehouses and other storage facilities.
These units have a turret that rotates 360 degrees, and a set of forks that can be used to move product from one location to another.
Turret trucks are powered by electricity.
10. Articulating Forklifts
Articulating forklifts are a type of industrial forklift that is specifically designed for moving materials in tight spaces.
11. Battery Operated Forklifts
Battery-operated forklifts are specifically designed for use in environments where there is no access to a power source.
Battery-operated forklifts are powered by batteries and can be found in both sit-down and stand-up models.
12. Tugger train
Tugger train forklifts are a type of industrial forklift that is specifically designed for use in tugging or pulling a train of carts.
13. Walkie Stacker
Walkie stacker forklifts are designed for use in stacking materials. These units have a set of shelves that are located at the rear of the unit.
Walkie stacker forklifts can also be found in both sit-down and stand-up models.
14. Diesel Forklifts
Diesel forklifts are one of the most popular types of forklifts on the market.
Diesel-powered lift trucks offer a number of advantages over their gasoline-powered counterparts, including more power, better fuel economy, and lower emissions.
Diesel forklifts also tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than other types of forklifts.
As a result, diesel forklifts are a good choice for many industrial and commercial applications.
15. Gasoline Forklifts
Gasoline-powered forklifts are a popular choice for many businesses, thanks to their versatility and reliability.
Gasoline forklifts can be used indoors or outdoors, and they can operate in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
Gasoline forklifts also tend to be more powerful than other types of forklifts, making them well-suited for businesses that need to move heavy loads.
In addition, gasoline forklifts require less maintenance than other types of forklifts, which can save your business time and money.
Whether you’re looking for a versatile indoor/outdoor forklift or a powerful machine for moving heavy loads, a gasoline forklift may be the perfect choice for your business.
16. LPG Forklifts
LPG-powered forklifts have a number of advantages over their gasoline and diesel counterparts.
They are more environmentally friendly, as they produce fewer emissions. They are also more efficient, as they use less fuel per hour of operation.
In addition, LPG-powered forklifts tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance than other types of forklifts.
As a result, they can be a great choice for businesses that want to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
17. Crawler Forklifts
Crawler forklifts are specially designed to move heavy loads across rough or uneven terrain.
The tracks on these forklifts provide superior traction, allowing them to carry loads of up to several tons.
In addition, the tracks help to distribute the weight of the load evenly, which prevents the forklift from sinking into soft soil or becoming stuck in the mud.
Crawler forklifts also have a low center of gravity, which increases stability and makes it easier to maneuver around obstacles.
These features make crawler forklifts an ideal choice for construction sites, landscaping projects, and other applications where traditional forklifts would struggle.
18. Pedestrian Stackers
A pedestrian stacker is a type of lifting equipment that is used to move heavy loads around a warehouse or factory floor.
Unlike a forklift, which is driven by an operator, a pedestrian stacker is battery-powered and can be operated by anyone.
Pedestrian stackers are available in a range of sizes and capacities, so they can be used to move everything from small boxes to large pallets.
One of the main benefits of using a pedestrian stacker is that it can help to improve productivity levels in a warehouse or factory.
In addition, using a pedestrian stacker can help to reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace.
By minimizing the amount of manual handling that takes place, there is less chance of workers sustaining strains or sprains.
As well as being used in warehouses and factories, pedestrian stackers are also commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
19. Straddle Carriers
A straddle carrier is a vehicle used for transporting containers in port areas, rail yards, and container terminals.
Straddle carriers are similar in appearance to a large forklift, but with two sets of forks that straddle the container from above.
This allows the straddle carrier to pick up and transport a container without having to lift it off the ground.
Straddle carriers are very efficient and can typically move a container from one point to another much faster than a crane or other type of vehicle.
As a result, they are an essential part of the operations of any busy port.
20. Platform Lift Trucks
A platform lift truck is a type of forklift that is used to move heavy loads between different levels.
The platform of the truck is raised or lowered by a hydraulic system, and the forks can be extended or retracted to load or unload the platform.
Platform lift trucks are very versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, such as construction, warehousing, and manufacturing.
They are also relatively easy to operate, making them a popular choice for many businesses.
However, platform lift trucks can be dangerous if not used properly, so it is important to always follow safety instructions when operating one of these vehicles.
Conclusion
Forklifts are an essential piece of equipment for many businesses, but there is a wide range of different types to choose from.
The type of forklift that you need will depend on the specific tasks that you will be using it for.
Some of the most common types of forklifts include electric forklifts, diesel forklifts, and gas forklifts.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to select the one that best suits your needs.
In addition to the different types of forklifts, there are also a variety of attachments that can be added to a forklift to make it more versatile.
Some of the most popular attachments include a boom, a bucket, and fork extensions.
By choosing the right type of forklift and attachment, you can ensure that your business has the equipment it needs to operate efficiently.