You might have read our guide on choosing the right forklift for your warehouse, which includes several tips on what to consider when setting up your operations. Now it’s time to understand the differences between types of forklift and find out what’s the best option suitable for your business.
But first, you need to understand that every warehouse operation depends on forklifts and pallet racks working together as a single system. Forklift choice influences not only aisle width and lifting height, but also safety and movement efficiency. For example, reach trucks are designed for narrow-aisle racking and higher storage levels, while pallet jacks and stackers work better with lower rack systems and ground-level movement. Designing racks and forklift equipment together allow you to store more items, minimize transportation times, and prevent expensive adjustments in the future.
Here are the forklift options in details:
Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts run on battery power, which means they produce zero emissions and operate quietly, an ideal option for indoor warehouse environments.
Most electric warehouse forklifts have a capacity of 1000 lbs to 70,000 lbs. They’re best suited for operating in tight aisles and on smooth concrete surfaces, as they’re more maneuverable because of their compact size.
You should choose electric forklifts if:
- Air quality is a concern
- Noise levels are a concern
- Fuel savings are important
They need battery charging stations and charging cycles, an important consideration especially if your warehouse operates on multiple shifts. You may need spare batteries or fast charging stations.
Electric Reach Truck
Electric reach trucks are intended for narrow aisle warehouse operations, as the forks extend forward to “reach” into racking systems. They lift between 1000 – 4500 lbs.
The best uses for this type of forklift in a warehouse setting are:
- High racking systems
- Narrow aisle warehouse design
- Palletized storage systems
- High-density warehouse design
If you need maximum vertical storage space, an electric reach truck is an excellent solution to improve accessibility without increasing aisle width.
Internal Combustion
Internal combustion forklifts use propane or diesel to provide excellent power and extended runtime without waiting for battery charging, lifting from 3000 lbs – 70,000 lbs, depending on the type.
The best scenarios for using this type of forklift include:
- Working outdoors or mixed indoor and outdoor environments
- Long hours operations
- When refueling speed matters
Due to emissions, it’s not an ideal option for fully enclosed operations.
Heavy Duty Forklifts
Heavy duty forklifts are designed to handle extreme weights, often lifting as much as 10,000 kgs or more. If you handle steel/skids/equipment, this heavy duty equipment will provide the power you need.
They’re typically used in:
- Steel yards
- Lumber yards
- Industrial manufacturing
- Heavy equipment handling
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Rough terrain forklifts have large pneumatic tires and a high ground clearance, as they’re made for use on uneven surfaces, such as construction sites, outdoor storage yards, and lumber yards.
Choose rough terrain forklifts if:
- Your ground is gravel or dirt
- You operate outdoors throughout the year
- It is essential for you to be stable on uneven surfaces
They aren’t suited for indoor use on smooth warehouse floors.
Electric Pallet Jack
Electric pallet jacks are small, basic, and simple to use for transporting pallets over short distances. They are suitable for:
- Loading docks
- Stockrooms
- Short-distance pallet transport
- Order staging
This warehouse forklift solution is beneficial if your business is more about ground-level transport than stacking.
Electric Stacker
Electric stackers can lift pallets to a greater height than pallet jacks but not as high as a standard forklift. Stackers are best suited for:
- Small warehouses
- Back rooms
- Light storage
- Narrow aisles
They are less expensive than forklifts and easier to train on. If your business requires vertical stacking but not great heights, these are a good option.
Electric Order Picker
Electric order pickers are used for product picking, not pallets, so their capacity is low, focused on small items that need to be picked directly from inventory.
The best use for this type of warehouse forklift is:
- E-commerce warehouse operations
- High SKU environments
- High-turning items
- Fulfillment centers
If your business requires accurate picking speed, order pickers can help you do this.
Aerial Work Platform
Aerial work platforms are meant to lift people, not pallets, providing a stable working platform for maintenance, repair, and other facility-related activities.
They’re often used in:
- Warehouse lighting maintenance
- HVAC servicing
- Building inspections
Aerial work platforms are not considered a traditional form of a warehouse forklift but are important for a safe operation.
Choosing a forklift depends on your particular needs, your work environment, and how your warehouse is set up. Whether you need the clean efficiency of an electric forklift for indoor use, the raw power of a heavy duty machine for extreme loads, or the precision of an order picker for high-volume fulfillment, there’s a forklift designed for the job.
Need help to find and buy the best option for you? Contact us at RACKsteel. With a vast range of HELI forklifts, Presto Lifts forklifts, and other warehouse solutions, we offer a wide range of equipment tailored to your specific application.