The availability of numerous types of forklifts to choose from can make it difficult for you to make the right choice. But thorough information on forklift types and their purposes can make it easier for you to make your pick. In this article, we will take you through different types of forklifts and help you understand which of them will be a good choice for your business needs.
Information is the key to make the right pick
Accurate information about the style and model of forklift gives much-needed clarity on which type is suitable for what kind of material handling work. Whether you are a supervisor or a forklift operator, you must know about all the types of the forklift so that you can make an informed choice and use them to its optimum potential.
There are many different types of forklifts available in the market but selecting the right forklift is what will enhance efficiency and productivity at your warehouse facility.
Electric forklift: A perfect companion for indoor applications
Electric forklifts are battery powered and need to be recharged whenever it runs out of power. The time taken to recharge this type of forklift is more and hence may not be a good fit in facilities with an extensive workload. However, this forklift is a quieter and a greener alternative for material handling that makes it an ideal choice of indoor applications. This type of forklift finds its application in loading and unloading trailers, pallet handling and can be used in a variety of industries such as food, retail, or warehousing in general.
Diesel Forklift: A robust option for work intensive sites
Diesel forklift finds its applications at warehousing facilities where major material handling work is done outdoors. As it is fuel-powered, diesel forklifts tend to make noise and emit smoke, hence it is not recommended for indoor applications. Unlike electric forklifts, this type of forklift is designed for rough terrain which makes it well-equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions and yet delivers a superior performance. As these forklifts are diesel-powered, the load handling capacity is higher than that of an electric forklift.
Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts: A wise pick to work in tight spaces
Electric Motor Narrow Aisle forklifts are designed to operate in compact spaces and narrow aisles. These forklifts are ideal for picking and putting away loads and provide more racking space without expanding the warehouse area.
When it comes to working in compact spaces, reach trucks and order pickers are the best choice of forklifts.
Reach trucks are a type of forklift that is designed to perform material handling in tight space. It is provided with two outer legs that help in distributing the load weight along with a drive wheel below the operator’s seat that giver a tighter turning radius. The reach trucks are the same as a counterbalance forklift in length but compact.
An order picker is another popular type of forklift used in narrow aisles that are used to help operators to pick and deliver loads efficiently despite tight spaces. These are designed such that they are capable of lifting an operator with or without a load up to the rack. This warehousing equipment is best suited for applications where the operator is required to be at the same level as the load to pick it properly.
Electric Pallet Jacks and Stackers: A good choice for higher maneuverability
Material handling equipment like an electric pallet jack and stacker are best suited for unloading goods and mobbing them to a staging area where other forklifts can work upon them. Some of the commonly used forklifts under this category are pallet trucks, counterbalance forklifts, and electric stackers.
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Pallet truck
An electric pallet truck is a low-level lifting material handling equipment that has a platform for the operator to stand on while moving the pallets. These are commonly used to easily move palletized goods from one place to another. Such material handling equipment finds its application in warehousing, manufacturing plants, and large storage facilities.
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Counterbalance forklift
A counterbalance forklift is a material handling vehicle in which the weight of the load is balanced with a counterweight. In battery electric counterbalance forklifts the load is counterbalanced with the additional weight of the battery installed in the forklift. This forklift is ideal for indoor applications and an environmental-friendly alternative.
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Electric Stacker
An electric stacker is a battery-powered material handling equipment designed for lifting and loading pallets. These are used to lift and stack loads or storing pallets placed at some height. Electric stacker mostly finds application in large warehouses and storage facilities where there are multiple levels of storage.
Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts: A versatile addition to your facility
Internal combustion forklifts are powered by LPG, gasoline, CNG, or diesel and are designed to be used indoors. These are cushioned tire forklifts that provide a seamless driving experience indoors and are puncture-proof as they are not filled with air. Internal combustion forklifts are versatile and find their application in industries ranging from warehousing, automobile, retail, and distribution.
Are you looking for a forklift manufacturer in India to procure best-in-class forklifts? You have landed on the right source. OM is a leading forklift manufacturer in India that manufactures a wide range of electric and diesel forklifts along with warehousing equipment like reach trucks, electric stackers, and pallet trucks.