Eight common types of forklift trucks

Forklift trucks are one of the most widely used mechanical equipment in the industrial field. Whether in warehouses, factories or construction sites, a large number of goods transportation tasks require the application of forklift trucks. However, forklift trucks come in various types and different types with different load capacities have their own advantages. Before purchasing or renting forklift trucks for a project, one needs to have a relatively comprehensive understanding of forklift trucks.

According to the different operation methods, the future robots have listed eight types of forklifts that are currently popular on the market, as well as the degree of unmanned operation for each type:

1. Forklift for pallets

Tray forklifts are classified into electric tray forklifts and manual tray forklifts. Generally, the load capacity is around 2T. They are mainly applied in the transfer of goods within production lines and warehouses. Due to the absence of a lifting mast, tray forklifts are only applicable in scenarios of flat transportation. Although tray forklifts cannot lift goods, their purchase and leasing costs are much lower.

II. Stacker Forklifts

Stacker forklifts are also known as pallet stackers. They are wheeled handling vehicles designed for loading, unloading, stacking, and short-distance transportation of palletized goods. Stacker forklifts have a mast but do not have a cab like other lifting forklifts. This design is mainly for flexible handling and stacking operations.

III. Counterbalanced Forklift Truck

The counterbalanced forklift is one of the most widely used types of forklifts at present. The forks of the counterbalanced forklift are located outside the centerline of the front wheels. Its main feature is that in order to overcome the overturning moment caused by the goods, a counterweight is installed at the rear of the forklift. The counterbalanced forklift with pneumatic tires has a relatively fast running speed and good climbing ability. It is widely used in port, station and enterprise internal loading, stacking and handling of packaged items. Forklifts weighing less than 3 tons can also operate in ship holds, train carriages and containers. The general lifting height is 2-4 meters.

IV. Front-mover Forklift Truck

The mast or forks of the forward-moving forklift can move back and forth. The maximum lifting height has reached 11.5 meters. The load capacity ranges from 1 to 2.5 tons. Special-purpose products such as multi-directional forward-moving forklifts, double-depth forward-moving forklifts, and indoor/outdoor universal forward-moving forklifts for storing and retrieving long and wide goods have also been developed. Currently, they have gradually become the main tools.

V. Forklift for Picking Operations

The picking forklift is also known as the picking truck. The forks and the footrest for human standing are installed on the inner slide frame, and they move up and down together with the loading and unloading device. Moreover, the operator can act on both sides to pick up the items stored on the shelves on both sides. The lifting height of the picking forklift is 4 to 6 meters. The turning radius of the picking forklift is small, making it suitable for narrow passages and high-level shelving warehouses.

VI. All-Terrain Forklifts

All-terrain forklifts are the main classification of outdoor operation forklifts. Compared with industrial counterbalanced forklifts, all-terrain forklifts use pneumatic tires and are suitable for outdoor construction and operations in areas with uneven surfaces such as gravel, sand, muddy ground, even snowy ground. All-terrain forklifts have powerful engines, so they are faster, more flexible and more durable. The load capacity of all-terrain forklifts is generally 3-5T.

VII. Heavy-duty Forklifts

The heavy-duty forklift (also known as the large-capacity forklift) combines the functions of the warehouse forklift and the telescopic forklift, featuring a high load capacity. Its lifting capacity ranges from 13T to 25T. Common heavy-duty forklifts include heavy-duty forklifts and container front-end loader forklifts, as well as container stacker forklifts. Their general application scope is relatively narrow, mainly concentrated in heavy industries and container terminals and other scenarios.

VIII. Telescopic Boom Forklift Truck

The telescopic boom forklift is also known as the telescopic forklift, which has a boom and a telescopic boom. The forks connected to the telescopic boom can lift 2.5 tons of materials off the ground and suspend them from 6 to 19 meters above the ground. Telescopic boom forklifts are highly suitable for entering narrow spaces and are widely used in factories, stations, docks, freight yards, post and telecommunications, forests, building materials, warehouses and other places.

To select the appropriate model from all different types of forklift trucks, you need to consider some criteria. The following are general reference standards compiled by Future Robots to ensure the operational efficiency and safety of the selected equipment:

1.Determine the weight, length, width and height of the goods. 

2. Determine the lifting capacity (in case of load shedding) and the lifting height of the forklift. 

3. Determine the conditions at the work site: ground load-bearing capacity, slope, smoothness, width and height limits of the site; 

4. Other factors: Maximum operating temperature 

If your budget is sufficient, considering aspects such as automation, security and scientific management, we suggest that you increase the deployment of unmanned forklifts to replace manual operations in high-risk environments, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.