Forklifts are a type of material handling equipment that helps business owners keep their warehouses organized. There are many different types of forklifts, some of which that are more suited to certain tasks than others.

The Different Types of Forklifts

Forklifts are vehicles with prong devices attached the front of them that are used to lift and carry heavy loads. They make the task of moving heavy inventory and equipment much easier, and they can be used indoors as well as outdoors, depending upon the type of forklift that you have. There are various types of forklifts on the market, but some models are more common than others.

Outdoor Forklifts

Outdoor forklifts are quite a bit different from most indoor forklifts. They are specifically design for rough terrain and riding over uneven ground. They feature pneumatic tires and are generally powered by gasoline, diesel, lpg or compressed natural gas. Rough terrain forklifts, piggy back lifts and truck mounted forklifts are common types of outdoor forklifts that are usually found on construction sites, lumberyards, roofing jobs, landscaping sites and various other types of outdoor projects.

Indoor Forklifts

Most warehouse equipment comes in the form of indoor forklifts. The types of indoor forklifts are many, from ride-on ones to hand-operated ones. The type of forklift needed for indoor warehousing projects varies widely depending upon the specific project in question. For instance, while three and four-wheel forklifts might be ideal for unloading trucks and maneuvering heavy loads, turret trucks, jacks, stackers and hand pallet jacks are most commonly used for moving and organizing pallets.

Limited Space Forklifts

There are also limited space forklifts that are specifically designed to be used in areas with limited amounts of space. Warehouses can easily become cramped, making it difficult to get in and out of inventory items. Bulky machinery oftentimes can’t fit into the spaces it needs to get into, which is why there are forklifts such as side loaders, scissor lifts and narrow-aisle trucks that help stockers and pickers easily maneuver within tight spaces. Many forklifts are also used for reaching items that otherwise couldn’t be reached without ladders. Examples of such forklifts include man-up units, stand up counter balance forklifts, aerial lifts and countless others. The type of forklift that you need depends largely upon your specific warehouse or outdoor work space needs as well as your budget. Fortunately, you can find used forklifts for sale if you’re on a limited budget.