Thanks to their essential application, forklifts are used on a broad scale. Not every vehicle is the same as the needs for their intended use also vary greatly. What are the most popular ones and how do they differ?

It is a very common type thanks to its simplicity and high functionality. As the name suggests, there is an additional weight installed in it that prevents it from tipping forwards. Because it doesn’t have an extended arm, it can approach the load directly. Its key feature is manoeuvring smoothly in circles. Counterbalance forklifts are known for being free from dangerous emissions which makes them perfectly suited for indoor operations, especially in industries with strict standards (e.g. food or medicine production).

Due to its adjusted build, the side-loader forklift is commonly used wherever there is a narrow or limited space that requires precise navigation, and turning around would be difficult. The operator’s cab is located on one side of the vehicle which gives the driver clear visibility. They are suitable for lifting and transporting long loads such as wooden boards, pipes, or heavy steel.

Their power comes from combining what’s best about a traditional forklift and a crane. Its extended arm is capable of lifting weight up to 10 metres of height or more depending on the model. Telescopic forklifts have multiple applications in agriculture or construction. There are a bunch of attachments that can be added to the boom for example buckets, work platforms, cubing, or pallet forks.

Designed mainly for the indoor environment, a reach forklift is usually used in warehouses. What differentiates it from other types is the capacity to extend the forks far beyond the regular reach. Moreover, it has an open compartment that provides an operator with a better visibility range. It is possible to equip it with an additional camera that will let the person in charge get a better picture of the situation. If you are interested in working as a forklift operator of any type, you need to accomplish a certified course and get a licence. Construction and Plant Training Services offers many courses in operating forklifts. Call us to get the details.