As the unsung heroes of modern logistics, all different kinds of forklifts move goods seamlessly through warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. From basic lifting machines to advanced, specialized vehicles, their development has reshaped the way industries manage materials, maximize available space, and satisfy the demands of the modern consumer.

A study published on ResearchGate highlights how forklift operations directly affect warehouse efficiency. By choosing the right forklift company, you can significantly improve your logistics performance and reduce costly delays.

No matter the size of your operation, choosing the right forklift can make a big difference. Here’s a forklift buying guide so you can look at the most common types of industrial forklifts and where they work best.

Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance forklifts are by far the most widely used type of forklift, and you’ll see them as the standard choice across various industries. One of the main reasons that this style is standard is because its effective design and simple controls make it easy for new operators to get to grips with.

If you’re not sure, A breakdown of the official forklift classifications from OSHA gives a useful foundation for understanding what machines suit which tasks.

The direct operation process is fairly straightforward. The forks can extend from the front of the forklift, but there are no additional arms or outrigger legs, making it ideal for any kind of operator. These are front-loaded forklifts, and the counterweight is attached to the rear.

These are the kind of forklifts that you’ll see used in places that need to load or unload trucks, and they’re used for transport pallets around in manufacturing facilities. You’ll find them used in some capacity in almost every warehouse and logistics center in the United States.

Reach Trucks

Of course, the standard counterbalance forklifts are incredibly useful and versatile, but they’re not suitable for every job. In some facilities, there are high shelves or tight spaces that constrain what you can do with a forklift.

Luckily, there are many different kinds of forklifts available. Many of these types of facilities will rely on reach trucks.

These trucks have extendable forks that can reach into storage racking systems, and they are kept stable through stabilizing legs which allows them to turn with a minimal radius within tight spaces. If you need to reach things in high spaces, then this is the model for you.

Reach trucks are an essential feature of any retail storeroom with extensive vertical storage.

Pallet Jacks (Manual & Electric)

Don’t let their simplicity fool you – pallet jacks are indispensable for everyday logistics. You’ll find them in use just about anywhere pallets are being moved, from grocery store stockrooms to major distribution centers.

They’re especially handy when there’s no need for complex lifts. If you’re looking for straightforward horizontal movement, this is what you need. Whether restocking shelves or loading outbound freight, pallet jacks offer unmatched efficiency, saving valuable time while minimizing the risk of product or equipment damage.

Manual models are compact, affordable, and you can almost operate them maintenance-free, while electric versions are more efficient over longer distances or with heavier loads.

While they can’t lift as high or carry as much as full-sized forklifts, pallet jacks are unbeatable when it comes to maneuverability in small spaces. They’re perfect for quickly repositioning pallets on warehouse floors.

Rough Terrain Forklifts

If you’re working on rough or uneven ground, a standard forklift simply isn’t going to do the job. Instead, you need a design that’s a bit more rugged. A rough terrain forklift is exactly what you need.

These machines are built for resilience and they have large pneumatic tires and heavily reinforced frames that are designed to let them traverse unstable surfaces like gravel, dirt, and even mud.

Unlike standard forklifts, these forklifts have a high-powered diesel engine. In most cases, this gives them the power they need to haul loads across unstable construction zones or through muddy agricultural fields.

If you work in lumberyards or outdoor construction sites, you’ll almost certainly be familiar with these types of forklifts. For deeper insight into how these machines function in rugged terrain, this DOE case study offers useful context on industrial vehicle design in field environments.

When you’re looking for something that can get the job done in rough conditions in the great outdoors, you should invest in something built for rough terrain.

Telehandlers (Telescopic Handlers)

A telehandler combines the lifting power of a forklift with the extended reach of a crane. Rather than simply lifting vertically, the telehandler’s boom arm extends outward and upward, allowing it to place loads in hard-to-reach places like rooftops or scaffolding platforms.

These machines are common on construction sites, farms, and in heavy industry. Their ability to swap out attachments makes them incredibly versatile. You can haul a pallet, move loose gravel, or lift a worker safely into position all with the same base unit.

Order pickers are specialized forklifts designed for retrieving individual items from high shelves, rather than moving entire pallets. They lift both the operator and platform, allowing for direct, hands-on item selection.

Operators can pick directly into totes or boxes, reducing handling steps. . Most are electric meaning they offer quiet, zero-emission performance, which is ideal for indoor use. When it comes to high-efficiency picking, order pickers are hard to beat.

Need Help With the Different Kinds of Forklifts

The different kinds of forklifts are are crucial part of the the mopdern supply chain. Forklifts are essential, and they’re powering operations in warehouses and beyond. From loading docks to high shelves, they handle the heavy lifting that keeps supply chains moving.

As technology advances, these machines will continue to evolve along with it. Investing in top of the line forklifts allows you to optimize your logistics. With the right forklift, you could gain the edge against your competition.

Our team delivers fast, professional, and courteous support every time. From routine maintenance to urgent repairs, we’re here to keep your logistics running like clockwork.

Need help choosing the right forklift? Superior Industrial Products is here to help. Get in touch with our service department today and let’s discuss your forklift needs.