Choosing the right forklift can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. From warehouses to construction sites, forklifts come in different types, each designed for specific loads, surfaces, and work environments.
This guide explains the main types of forklifts, their uses, and key differences to help your business select the right equipment.
Counterbalance Forklifts – The Most Common Forklift
Counterbalance forklifts are the most widely used type of forklift. They have forks at the front and a heavy counterweight at the back to maintain balance.
Best for:
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Indoor and outdoor material handling
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Loading and unloading trucks
-
Moving pallets
Power types: Electric, diesel, or LPG.
These forklifts are versatile and found in almost every warehouse or yard.
Reach Truck Forklifts for Narrow Aisles
Reach trucks are designed for high racks and narrow aisles. Their forks extend outward, so the operator can pick pallets without moving the truck body.
Best for:
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Tall warehouse racks
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Narrow aisle warehouses
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Cold storage
Reach trucks are typically electric and ideal where space is limited.
Pallet Jacks for Short Distance Movement
Pallet jacks (manual or electric) are simple forklifts for moving palletized goods over short distances. They don’t lift very high but are essential for indoor material handling.
Best for:
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Warehouses and distribution centers
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Retail stockrooms
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Loading docks
They’re compact, easy to operate, and highly cost-effective.
Rough Terrain Forklifts – Built for Outdoors
Rough terrain forklifts are designed for uneven ground, mud, and gravel. They have large pneumatic tires and strong engines, usually diesel-powered.
Best for:
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Construction sites
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Lumber yards
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Outdoor storage yards
These forklifts provide high lifting capacity and stability outdoors.
Order Picker Forklifts for Warehouses
Order pickers lift the operator along with the forks to pick items from shelves.
Best for:
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E-commerce warehouses
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Distribution centers
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Light to medium pallet handling
They are electric, quiet, and efficient for single-item picking.
Side Loader Forklifts for Long Materials
Side loaders carry long or bulky items like pipes, timber, or sheet materials. The forks are mounted on the side, making it easier to operate in narrow aisles.
Best for:
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Timber yards
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Metal manufacturing
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Warehouses handling long goods
They improve safety and handling of unusually sized loads.
Telehandler Forklifts for Extended Reach
Telehandlers (telescopic handlers) have an extendable boom arm for lifting loads higher or farther than standard forklifts.
Best for:
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Construction sites
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Agricultural operations
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Outdoor loading areas
They combine the reach of a crane with the lifting ability of a forklift.
Walkie Stackers and Walkie Reach Trucks
Walkie stackers and walkie reach trucks are smaller electric forklifts operated by walking behind them.
Best for:
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Narrow indoor aisles
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Light stacking operations
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Small warehouses
They are compact, quiet, and easy to maneuver.
Forklift Tires – Cushion, Pneumatic, and Solid
Choosing the right forklift tire is crucial for safety and performance:
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Cushion tires – smooth indoor floors
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Pneumatic tires – rough outdoor surfaces
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Solid tires – durable for heavy-duty work
The type of tire depends on your workspace and load requirements.
Forklift Attachments for Special Loads
Attachments can improve efficiency and safety. Common types include:
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Side shifters – move forks left or right
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Rotators – rotate loads for dumping
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Clamps – hold drums, rolls, or boxes
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Fork positioners – adjust fork spacing
Attachments make forklifts more versatile for varied materials.
OSHA Forklift Classes and Certification
Forklifts are classified into seven main OSHA classes, based on power source and work environment:
|
Class |
Forklift Type |
Power Source |
Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Electric Motor Rider |
Battery |
Indoor warehouses |
|
2 |
Electric Narrow Aisle |
Battery |
Narrow aisles |
|
3 |
Electric Hand Trucks |
Battery |
Pallet handling |
|
4 |
Cushion Tire Truck |
Diesel / LPG |
Indoor floors |
|
5 |
Pneumatic Tire Truck |
Diesel / LPG |
Outdoor use |
|
6 |
Tractors |
Electric / IC |
Dock towing |
|
7 |
Rough Terrain Forklift |
Diesel |
Construction sites |
Also Read: Electric vs Diesel Forklifts
Certification and proper training are required to operate each type safely.
Indoor vs Outdoor Forklifts
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Indoor: Electric forklifts with cushion tires are ideal. They are quiet, emission-free, and low maintenance.
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Outdoor: Diesel or LPG forklifts with pneumatic tires provide more power and longer run times for uneven ground.
FAQs About Types of Forklifts
Q1. How many types of forklifts are there?
There are seven main classes under OSHA, plus several specialized types.
Q2. Which forklift is most common?
The counterbalance forklift is the most widely used model across warehouses and yards.
Q3. What forklift is best for indoor use?
Electric counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks work best indoors.
Q4. Which forklift is best for outdoor work?
Diesel rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers are suitable for outdoor and uneven surfaces.
Q5. What types of forklift tires exist?
The three main types are cushion, pneumatic, and solid tires, depending on floor and load requirements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right forklift depends on load type, workspace, and operating hours.
At Dallas Forklift Service Inc., we provide sales, rentals, and service for all forklift types — electric, diesel, rough terrain, and warehouse models.
Contact us today to find the best forklift for your business needs.