Many people ask us a question that too many of us within the industry take for granted; namely, 'what are the different types of forklift truck, and what do they do?'
Read on below as we talk you through the major forklift truck types, along with their primary uses.
Counterbalance
Industrial counterbalance forklifts are the most common trucks used in indoor warehouses and stores, although they can be used outdoors, on stable, even surfaces. They offer straightforward operation and have dual forks at the front of the truck that lift and transport the loads.
There are different types available, including three-wheel models that provide better manoeuvrability, making them perfect for narrow aisles.
Rough Terrain
For outdoor construction and with difficult terrain, a rough terrain forklift is ideal. It has inflatable tyres with thicker threads, allowing stability on uneven ground, as well as a more powerful engine so it can reach higher speeds, and better manoeuvrability, making them must more robust and durable.
They are perfect for transporting heavy loads across rugged terrain, The carefully calibrated counterbalance at the back of the truck prevents overbalancing, with it being easily operated in mud, ice or even snow.
Telehandler
Telehandlers are ideal for use in agriculture and all kinds of industry that require high lifting. They offer a whole range of features that make them much more useful in a range of situations, so much so that they are often thought of as small cranes, rather than forklift trucks.
Telescopic handlers have the additional advantage of a single telescopic boom that allows the truck to become a much more powerful and flexible piece of machinery. There are a number of practical attachments available, including a lift table, bucket, pallet fork and muck grabber.
Sideloader
Sideloaders are, as their name suggests, trucks that operate by picking up their load from the side, from the perspective of the operator.
They are very good at handling wide (or long) loads that would otherwise be unstable on a conventional counterbalance machine. Sideloaders are excellent for handling lengthy materials such as timber, piping and sheets. This strength is also a weakness however, as they offer limited flexibility for handling more conventional loads.
Now that we have talked you through the 4 basic types of forklift truck why not contact our team here at Scot Truck Forklifts? We are sure to have both new and used options to suit your application.