Created on 2025.11.18
Common types of forklifts
Forklifts are one of the most widelyused mechanical equipment in the industrial sector. Whether in warehouses,factories, or construction sites, a large amount of cargo handling tasksrequire the use of forklifts. There are numerous types of forklifts, and eachtype with different loads has its own advantages. Before purchasing or rentinga forklift, it is necessary to have a relatively comprehensive understanding ofit.
1). Pallet truck
Pallet forklifts are divided intoelectric pallet forklifts and manual pallet forklifts. The general loadcapacity is around 2T. They are mainly used for the transfer of goods insideand outside production lines and warehouses. Since there is no lifting mast,pallet-type forklifts are only applicable to scenarios of flat transportation.Although pallet forklifts cannot lift goods, the purchase and rental costs aremuch lower.
2). Pallet stacker
A pallet truck, also known as a stackingtruck, refers to a wheeled handling vehicle used for loading, unloading,stacking, and short-distance transportation of palletized items. The pallettruck has a mast, but unlike other lifting-type forklifts, it does not have acab. This design is mainly to facilitate flexible handling and stackingoperations.
3). Counterbalanced forklift
Counterbalanced forklifts are one of themost widely used types of forklifts at present. The forks of a counterbalancedforklift are located outside the centerline of the front wheels. The mainfeature is that to overcome the overturning moment caused by the goods, acounterweight is installed at the rear of the forklift. Counterbalancedforklifts with pneumatic tires have a faster running speed and better climbingability. They are widely used for loading, stacking, and transporting packageditems in ports, stations, and enterprises. Forklifts weighing less than 3 tonscan also operate in ship holds, train carriages, and containers. The generallifting height is 2-4 meters.
4). Reach truck
The mast or forks of a reach truck canmove back and forth. The maximum lifting height has reached 11.5 meters. Theload capacity ranges from 1 to 2.5 tons. Special-purpose products such asmulti-directional reach trucks, double-depth reach trucks, and indoor/outdooruniversal reach trucks for storing and retrieving long and wide goods have alsobeen developed. Currently, it has gradually become the main tool.
5). Picking forklift
A picking forklift, also known as apicking truck, has its forks and the footrest for human standing installed onthe inner slide frame. It moves up and down along with the loading andunloading device, and the operator can operate on both sides to pick up itemsstored on the shelves on both sides. The lifting height of a picking forkliftis 4 to 6 meters. The turning radius of a picking forklift is small, making itsuitable for narrow passages and high-rise warehouse buildings.
6). Heavy forklift
A heavy-duty forklift (also known as alarge-capacity forklift) combines the functions of warehouse forklifts withthose of telescopic forklifts, having a higher load capacity. The liftingcapacity ranges from 13T to 25T. Common heavy-duty forklifts include heavy-dutyforklifts and container front-end lifters, as well as container stackers. Theirapplication scope is relatively narrow, mainly concentrated in heavy industriesand container terminals.