Demand for material handling equipment is fast on the rise. In 2025, the global market for this equipment will surpass $41 billion, up from nearly $28 billion in 2019.
One piece of material handling equipment that’s especially popular is the forklift. It’s the ideal instrument for lifting and moving heavy loads in your warehouse and other places, including construction sites.
If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a forklift, prepare to be astounded by the variety of options available. At least 7 different types of forklifts now exist, so you can be sure you’ll find something that perfectly fits your needs.
In this forklift guide, we take a closer look at the different types of forklifts you’re most likely to see on the market.
1. Counterbalance Forklifts
One of the most popular and commonly used types of forklifts, counterbalance forklifts are designed to move heavy loads around a warehouse. They have a weight in the back that balances the load in the front, making them easy to operate.
This type of forklift is perfect for warehouses that need to move heavy loads around frequently. If you’re not sure what type of forklift you need, a counterbalance forklift is a good place to start.
Counterbalance forklifts come in two main varieties:
Four-wheel Counterbalance Forklifts
Four-wheel counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of counterbalance forklifts. They’re designed for use on smooth, level surfaces and can carry thousands of pounds.
This type of forklift is perfect for most warehouses and can be used for a variety of tasks, from loading and unloading trucks to stacking pallets.
Three-wheel Counterbalance Forklifts
As the name suggests, three-wheel counterbalance forklifts have three wheels instead of four. They’re slightly smaller and more maneuverable than four-wheel counterbalance forklifts, making them ideal for tight spaces.
They can also carry lighter loads, making them a good choice for warehouses that don’t need to move heavy items around frequently.
2. Side Loader Forklift
A side loader forklift is a type of counterbalance forklift that has the ability to load and unload trucks from the side. This makes them perfect for warehouses that receive a lot of deliveries, as they can quickly and easily unload trucks.
Tuck-Mounted Forklift
A truck-mounted forklift is a type of lightweight forklift that rides on the back of a truck or lorry without taking up any load space. The design of truck-mounted forklifts still follows the counterbalance principle.
These forklifts have many advantages, including the fact that your truck drivers can load and unload heavy objects independently wherever they are. All the truck driver has to do is disengage the forklift from the truck, unload the cargo, and reconnect the forklift before leaving.
These forklifts also tend to be readily available on the market at a reasonable price. You can even get a used one in mint condition from Equipment Remarketing, LLC.
3. Industrial Forklift
Industrial forklifts are designed for use in industrial settings, such as factories and construction sites. They’re much larger and more powerful than other types of forklifts and can carry very heavy loads.
This type of forklift is perfect if you’re using a forklift to move extremely heavy items around frequently.
4. Warehouse Forklifts
Warehouse forklifts are arguably the most recognizable type of forklift. They’re designed for use in warehouses and are perfect for a variety of tasks, from loading and unloading trucks to stacking pallets. A standard warehouse forklift has a capacity of between 3,000 and 10,000 pounds.
Warehouse forklifts come in two main varieties:
Order Picker Forklift
Order picker forklifts are designed for picking orders in warehouses. They have a platform that the operator stands on, which is raised to allow them to reach items that are high up.
Reach Truck Forklift
Reach truck forklifts are designed for stacking pallets in warehouses. They have a long arm that the operator uses to reach items that are high up.
5. Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
Pneumatic tire forklifts are a type of counterbalance forklift that is designed for use on soft surfaces, such as dirt or gravel. They have large tires that provide good traction and can be used indoors or outdoors.
The tires are usually filled with air, but some pneumatic tire forklifts have solid tires.
6. Cushion Tire Forklifts
Cushion tire forklifts are a type of counterbalance forklift that is designed for use on smooth surfaces, such as concrete. They have small tires that provide good traction and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Because of the smaller turning radius of cushion tires as opposed to pneumatic tires, these forklifts are more maneuverable and can be used in tighter spaces.
7. Order Pickers
Order pickers are a type of warehouse forklift designed for picking orders in warehouses. They have a platform that the operator stands on, which is raised to allow them to reach items that are high up.
One advantage of order pickers is that they can be used in very narrow aisleways, as they don’t need a lot of space to turn around. Another advantage is that they can be operated by just one person, making them very efficient.
The main disadvantage of order pickers is that they have limited capacity, so they’re not suitable for moving heavy items around.
An industrial forklift would be a better choice if you need a forklift that can move heavy items around frequently.
7 Different Types of Forklifts You Should Know
As you can see, there are 7 different types of forklifts, each with its own specific uses. Choosing the right type of forklift for your needs is important to ensure that you’re able to get the job done efficiently.
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