8 Common Classifications of Forklifts
There are many types of forklifts, each with its own characteristics. Forklifts can be classified into 8 categories according to the mode of operation, namely pallet forklifts, stacking forklifts, counterbalanced forklifts, reach forklifts, picking forklifts, off-road forklifts, heavy-duty forklifts, and telescopic arm forklifts.
1) Pallet forklifts
Pallet forklifts are divided into electric pallet forklifts and manual pallet forklifts. The general load is about 2T. They are mainly used for the transportation of goods inside and outside the production line and warehouse. Since there is no lifting gantry, pallet forklifts are only used in flat handling scenarios. Although pallet forklifts cannot lift goods, the purchase and rental costs are much lower.
2) Stacking forklifts
Stacking forklifts, also known as stacking forklifts, refer to wheeled handling vehicles that load and unload, stack, stack and transport pallet goods over short distances. Stackers have a gantry, but unlike other lift forklifts, they do not have a cab, mainly for flexible handling and stacking operations.
3) Counterbalanced forklift
The counterbalanced forklift is the most widely used forklift at present. The cargo fork is outside the center line of the front wheel, and the forklift is equipped with a counterweight at the rear. At present, there are internal combustion forklifts and electric forklifts. Internal combustion forklifts currently account for 80% of the market share, with sufficient horsepower and long operating time. The disadvantage is that they are noisy and polluting. At present, electric forklifts are generally used for indoor work. They have the characteristics of low noise and no pollution. They are widely used in the transportation of cold storage food and other materials.
4) Reach forklift
The reach electric forklift is a type of warehouse truck. According to the operation mode, it can be divided into a seated reach type and a standing reach type. The reach forklift has a small lifting capacity and is often driven by an electric motor. The electric reach forklift has the characteristics of flexibility, easy operation, no pollution, and low noise.
5) Picking forklift
Picking forklift is also known as picking forklift. It is mainly composed of lifting system, body system and electrical system. The operator can stand on the channel to drive it, which is convenient for picking materials up and down. The lifting height of the picking forklift is 4 to 6 meters, which is suitable for narrow passages and high-rise shelf warehouses.
6) Off-road forklift
Off-road forklift is also called field forklift. From the literal meaning, this is a special vehicle with strong off-road capability. It is suitable for loading and unloading vehicles in material distribution centers with poor road conditions. It has strong off-road performance, maneuverability and reliability. Off-road forklifts are generally powered by internal combustion diesel engines. Diesel engines have large torque, high thermal efficiency, high power, and emit much less harmful gases than gasoline engines, which is relatively environmentally friendly.
7) Heavy-duty forklift
As the name implies, heavy-duty forklifts have a strong rated load capacity, with a lifting capacity of more than 13 tons. Heavy-duty forklifts, container forklifts, and container stackers are all heavy-duty forklifts. They are rarely used in daily life and are generally used in heavy industry and port container handling and stacking.
8) Telescopic forklift
A telescopic forklift is a forklift equipped with a retractable boom, and its forks or accessories are usually installed on the boom, which can lift or forklift cargo. The forks of this type of forklift can cross obstacles and holes for forklifting, and can stack and destacker multiple rows of cargo under complex working conditions. Telescopic forklifts have a good front view and low requirements for the clearance height of the passage. Sometimes they can also be classified as off-road forklifts.
