Choose the Equipment Type From the Work, Not the Name Alone
Warehouse choices include electric or internal-combustion counterbalance forklifts, narrow-aisle reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks and powered pallet trucks. Outdoor and construction applications may use pneumatic-tire counterbalance trucks, rough-terrain forklifts or telehandlers. Tow tractors are designed to pull loads rather than lift pallets like a counterbalance forklift.
OSHA’s common powered-industrial-truck classes provide a useful framework: Class I electric rider trucks; Class II electric narrow-aisle trucks; Class III electric hand or hand/rider trucks; Class IV internal-combustion trucks with solid or cushion tires; Class V internal-combustion trucks with pneumatic tires; Class VI tractors; and Class VII rough-terrain forklift trucks.
The right type still depends on load weight and dimensions, load center, lift height, aisle, door and ceiling clearance, floor or terrain, power access, duty cycle and attachments. Confirm the data plate and manufacturer guidance for the specific truck.
What should buyers verify?
- Counterbalance forklifts
- Reach trucks and order pickers
- Powered pallet trucks
- Rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers
- Tow tractors