• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • (920) 499-5181
  • Online Catalog
  • 0 items in quote

    No products in the Quote Basket.

  • About Us
    • Locations
    • Careers at Conger
    • Our Friend Gusto
  • Blog
  • Equipment
    • New/Used Forklifts
    • New/Used Aerial Lifts
    • New/Used Industrial Cleaning Equipment
    • New/Used Utility Vehicles
    • Forklift Attachments
    • Forklift Accessories
    • Forklift Tires
    • Current Promotions
  • Services
    • Equipment Repair
    • Equipment Rentals
    • Equipment Parts
    • Safety Training
  • Systems
    • Warehouse Design & Layout
    • Warehouse Racking
    • Warehouse Automation
    • Conveyor & Sortation
    • E-Commerce/Order Fulfillment

Conger Industries Inc.

We help businesses move material at peak efficiency with the right equipment & solutions

You are here: Home / Equipment / Forklifts / 105 Types of Forklifts: The Complete List
105 Types of Forklifts: The Complete List

Updated May 18, 2022 12 Comments

105 Types of Forklifts: The Complete List

Ever wonder what types of forklifts are out there? Then this post is exactly what you're looking for!

First, we assembled 105 different kinds of forklifts from all walks of industrial life. After that, we grouped them by industrial lift truck category to make your browsing easier.

Simply click on the links to each category. You'll be able to see examples and review helpful information about each type of forklift.

Let's jump right in.

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks

    3-Wheel Electric

    3,000 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift
    3,000 lb. 3-wheel electric forklift

    Three-wheel electrics are fast becoming one of the most popular types of forklifts. Because of their tight turning radius, operators can easily maneuver around crowded warehouses and production lines. Common industries of use include food/beverage and light manufacturing.

    3,500 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota Electric Forklift For Sale
    3,500 lb. electric 3-wheel forklift

    The 3,500 lb. forklift uses the same body style as the 3,000 lb. The only difference is a slightly heavier counterweight, which gives the extra 500 lb. capacity. Otherwise, the forklifts look identical and can be difficult to tell apart.

    4,000 lb. capacity

    2008 Toyota 4,000 lb. 3-wheel electric forklift
    4,000 lb. electric 3-wheel forklift

    The 4,000 lb. 3-wheel uses a different, elongated frame than the 3,000 to 3,500 lb. models. The extra-long frame combined with a larger counterweight means this model can handle larger loads. Also, 4,000 lb. trucks use a heavier battery to counteract the heavier load on the forks.

    4-Wheel Electric

    3,000 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota Electric Forklift For Sale
    3,000 lb. electric 4-wheel forklift

    Like the base model 3-wheel forklift, the basic 4-wheel capacity is 3,000 lb. But the difference between the two types of trucks is that 4-wheels don’t quite have the maneuverability of 3-wheels. You can often find the 4-wheel electric forklift hard at work in beverage plants.

    3,500 lb. capacity

    Toyota 7FBCU18 4-wheel electric forklift
    3,500 lbs. electric 4-wheel forklift

    The 3,500 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift is very similar to the 3,000 lb. The battery is the same size, as is the frame. The only difference is a slightly heavier counterweight that gives the extra 500 lb. capacity to the truck.

    4,000 lb. capacity

    4,000 lb. Used Toyota Electric Forklift in Wisconsin
    4,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    When we get to the 4,000 lb. truck, the frame changes. It becomes a little more robust and capable of handling larger loads.

    5,000 lb. capacity

    used toyota electric forklift for sale
    5,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    The 5,000 lb. electric forklift is much like its internal combustion cousin of the same size. A popular sized truck, it can be found in the paper, bottling, recycling, and food industries.

    6,000 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota 4-Wheel Electric Forklift For Sale
    6,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    A little bigger than a 5,000 lb. truck, the 6,000 lb. electric 4-wheel has a different frame and larger battery compartment. It also has a larger carriage. So, a more robust attachment can be installed to handle heavier loads.

    6,500 lb. capacity

    Toyota 4-Wheel Electric Forklift For Sale in Wisconsin
    6,500 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    Almost identical to the 6,000 lb. 4-wheel, the 6,500 lb. truck has a slightly heavier counterweight. The battery is the same size, as are most other components on the truck.

    8,000 lb. capacity

    8,000 lb. Toyota 4-wheel electric forklift
    8,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    The 8,000 lb. electric 4-wheel is used in higher capacity operations. This truck is powered by either a 36 or 48-volt battery, with the latter allowing faster drive and lift speeds. Common industries of use include construction and building supplies.

    10,000 lb. capacity

    10,000 lb. Toyota 4-wheel electric forklift
    10,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    The 10,000 lb. electric truck is usually built on the same frame as the 8,000 lb. truck. The counterweight is a little larger to allow for the increased capacity.

    12,000 lb. capacity

    12,000 lb. 4-wheel electric forklift

    The 12,000 lb. electric is built on a larger frame than the 8,000 to 10,000 lb. trucks. Along with this increase in frame size, the truck also gets a larger battery and a class IV carriage.

    Stand-up rider

    Used Stand-Up Electric Forklift For Sale
    4,000 lb. electric stand-up counterbalanced forklift

    Stand-up riders have the same maneuverability as a 3-wheel truck, but with a smaller footprint. This allows operators to squeeze into tighter spaces while still being able to turn. Common industries of use include light manufacturing and storage facilities.

    Outdoor electric pneumatics

    Toyota electric pneumatic forklift

    For applications that need or prefer to run electric trucks, but also need to work outside, the electric pneumatic is a solid choice. Foam or air-filled tires allow this type of forklift to handle rougher terrains, like blacktop and gravel. Many models are equipped with a cab, so the operator can be comfortable even in rain and snow. Capacities range from 4,000 to 11,000 lb.

    High capacity forklifts

    What if you need to lift a massive amount of weight but don't want to deal with the fumes of an internal combustion engine? Your solution: a high-capacity electric forklift. Lifting capacities range from 15,000 to 40,000 lb. And some manufacturers even go as high as 80,000 lb.! Common industries of use include rigging and metal forging.

    Toyota high-capacity electric forklift
    Toyota high-capacity electric forklift

     

    Kalmar high-capacity electric forklift
    Kalmar high-capacity electric forklift

    Semax G120 mast-behind-cab forklift
    Semax G120 mast-back forklift

    HUBTEX RoxX Electric Heavy-duty Compact Forklift
    HUBTEX RoxX Electric Heavy-duty Compact Forklift

    Class II: Electric Narrow Aisle Trucks

    Order pickers

    3,000 lb. electric order picker
    3,000 lb. electric order picker

    Order pickers are designed to let operators hand-pick materials from the racks. Instead of using a ladder, the operator can pull alongside the racking and can lift themselves up or down, depending on where they need to pull stock.

    Reach trucks

    Used Reach Truck For Sale
    3,500 lb. electric reach truck

    Warehouses and fulfillment centers with tall and deep racking commonly use reach trucks. Their unique ability to reach into the shelving allows for more material to be stored in the racking, which ultimately saves money. Two configurations of this truck include the single reach and the double reach.

    Articulated forklifts

    4,000 lb. articulating electric forklift
    4,000 lb. articulating electric forklift

    Some operations have narrow aisles that can't accommodate a standard-sized forklift. One solution to this problem is an articulated forklift. What's unique about this type of forklift is that the mast can turn left or right independent of the body of the truck. So, the operator can drive straight in the aisle and turn the mast at a 90-degree angle to access the material.

    Pivoting-mast forklifts

    Drexel SwingMast forklift
    Drexel SwingMast® forklift with pivoting mast

    Like an articulated forklift, a pivoting-mast forklift can rotate its mast at a 90-degree angle to its body. The difference is that only the mast moves and not the front tires like an articulated forklift.

    Class III: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Trucks

    Material lifts

    Genie material lift
    Genie material lift

    When a standard forklift is overkill, you can turn to a material lift instead. These lifts can hoist material that's too heavy for a single person to handle. Lifting heights for this type of equipment usually top out around 26 and a half feet.

    Hand pallet jacks

    Toyota hand pallet jack
    Toyota hand pallet jack

    The most basic piece of material handling equipment is the hand pallet truck. Often seen in warehouses, grocery stores, and retailers, these units can lift up to 5,500 lbs. And simple controls mean just about anyone can use it to make moving heavy pallets easier.

    Electric walkie pallet jacks

    Toyota Electric Walkie Pallet Jack For Sale
    Electric walkie pallet jack

    Manual pallet jacks can cause operators much fatigue. The solution? Replacing those hand-operated parts with electric motors. Common industries where electric pallet jacks are used include trucking, beverage, and retail.

    Walkie/rider pallet jacks

    used toyota electric pallet jack for sale
    6,000 lb. electric walkie/rider pallet jack

    Allowing operators to either walk behind or ride on the lift, walkie/rider pallet jacks are like giant skateboards. Except that they can carry thousands of pounds of material. They are often be found in warehouses and production facilities where loads must be moved over long distances.

    Center-controlled pallet jacks

    Center-controlled electric rider pallet jack
    Center-controlled electric rider pallet jack

    A slight variation on the walkie rider pallet jack, the operator stands in the middle of a center-controlled rider pallet jack. This protects the operator from collisions. It also lessens the chance of falling off the unit.

    Paper roll handlers

    Walk-behind electric roll handler
    Walk-behind electric roll handler

    Usually found in paper mills and converting companies, paper roll handlers are much like regular pallet jacks. But they are different insofar as the forks are specially-designed to cradle paper rolls.

    Walkie stackers

    Light-duty stackers

    New Toyota Walkie Stacker conger
    Electric light-duty walkie stacker

    Useful in tight areas, the light-duty walkie stacker uses a small battery pack for power and features adjustable outriggers. Compared to a forklift, these machines have a smaller capacity. They usually range from 2,000 to 2,500 lb.

    Industrial walkie stackers

    New Toyota Industrial Walkie Stacker in Wisconsin
    Electric industrial walkie stacker

    A larger version of its cousin, the light-duty walkie stacker, the industrial version features an industrial battery instead of a simple battery pack. This added weight increases the lifting capacity of the unit to between 2,200 and 4,000 lb.

    Walkie reach trucks

    New Toyota Walkie Reach Truck conger
    Electric walkie reach truck

    For applications where a standard reach truck is too large, a walkie reach truck can fit the bill. Designed like a walkie stacker, this type of forklift features a scissor-like mechanism called a pantograph on the front of the mast. This lets the carriage move forward and backward without the unit itself moving.

    Counter-balanced stackers

    New Toyota Counter Balanced Stacker from Conger
    Electric counter-balanced walkie stacker

    Sometimes the outriggers on a standard walkie reach truck can get in the way of picking loads up. To get around this issue, the counterbalanced stacker has a longer chassis to increase leverage. And without those outriggers, the machine can pick up pallets of any width.

    Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks - Cushion Tires

    3,000 to 15,500 lb. capacity

    3,000 lb. capacity

    "<yoastmark

    Generally, the smallest capacity cushion available, the 3,000 lb. is a light-duty truck ideal for warehouses and production lines. The small wheelbase and tight turning radius mean the truck can easily maneuver in small spaces.

    3,500 lb. capacity

    3,500 lb. cushion forklift
    3,500 lb. cushion forklift

    A little more lifting capacity means the 3,500 lb. forklift can do more than the 3,000 lb. But you don't have to sacrifice the small footprint, as the truck sits on the same size frame.

    4,000 lb. capacity

    4,000 lb. cushion forklift
    4,000 lb. cushion forklift

    Moving to a larger frame, the 4,000 lb. cushion lets you handle the tasks that the smaller trucks can't. But you’ll have to exchange the extra capacity for a decrease in maneuverability. There is an option, though, for those who want the best of both worlds in the way of a “short frame” 4,000 lb. truck.

    5,000 lb. capacity

    Used IC Forklift For Sale
    5,000 lb. cushion forklift

    The "bread and butter" forklift, this is the most common type of forklift that you'll see around. Also referred to as a "warehouse forklift," this truck is designed to work indoors on flat ground.

    6,000 lb. capacity

    6,000 lb. cushion forklift
    6,000 lb. cushion forklift

    Moving up, the 6,000 lb. truck is a little less common than the 5,000 lb. model. The size increase means that the counterweight is larger and the carriage is also bigger to accommodate more robust attachments.

    6,500 lb. capacity

    6,500 lb. cushion forklift
    6,500 lb. cushion forklift

    The 6,500 lb. truck is nearly identical to the 6,000 lb. model. Side by side, you won't even be able to tell the difference!

    8,000 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota Forklift for Sale
    8,000 lb. cushion forklift

    The 8,000 lb. model is built on a larger frame than the 6,500 lb. It has the same size carriage as the next two sizes down. But the counterweight is larger and usually of a different design, to increase the lifting capacity.

    10,000 lb. capacity

    A true workhorse for heavy lifting, the 10,000 lb. cushion is at home in paper mills, fabricating shops and anywhere else where heavy loads are lifted indoors. Some manufacturers offer "boxcar" style counterweights, which allow the truck to operate inside of railcars and confined spaces more easily than the standard truck.

    Used Toyota Forklift For Sale
    10,000 lb. cushion forklift with a standard counterweight

     

    Used LPG Cushion Forklift For Sale in Wisconsin
    10,000 lb. cushion forklift with box car-style counterweight

    12,000 lb. capacity

    12,000 lb. cushion forklift
    12,000 lb. cushion forklift

    Often found in paper mills and construction sites, the 12,000 lb. cushion is another workhorse of industry. Like the 10,000 lb. truck before it, some manufacturers offer “boxcar” style counterweights to lessen the machine’s footprint.

    12,000 lb. capacity paper roll special

    12,000 lb. paper roll special forklift
    12,000 lb. paper roll special

    A variation on the 12,000 lb. standard style, Toyota offers a truck that is specially designed to work in paper roll applications. It is configured in such a way that it can handle up to a 9,000 lb. paper roll. This much weight would otherwise be too heavy for a standard 12,000 lb. truck to lift.

    13,500 lb. capacity

    13,500 lb. cushion forklift
    13,500 lb. cushion forklift

    With a footprint smaller than the 15,500 lb. but larger than the 12,000 lb., the 13,500 lb. is the "middle child." Its counterweight is larger than the 12,000 lb., and so it will often not work in applications with tight spaces.

    15,500 lb. capacity

    15,500 lb. cushion forklift
    15,500 lb. cushion forklift

    The largest of the "core" line of cushion trucks, the 15,500 lb. truck has the largest counterweight and the largest lifting capacity. Often seen with extra-long forks, this truck is most often used in construction and rigging.

    High-capacity cushion forklifts

    When a 15,500 lb. forklift isn't enough, you'll need a high-capacity cushion forklift to get the job done. This type of forklift can range in capacity from 15,500 lb. up to 110,000 lb.! Because of their extreme capacity, size and expense, you won't see as many of these trucks around. Still, they can be found in forging plants, steelyards, and rigging operations.

    Toyota high-capacity cushion
    High-capacity cushion forklift

    "<yoastmark

    Hoist high-capacity forklift with paper roll clamp
    High-capacity forklift with paper roll clamp attachment

    Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks - Pneumatic tires

    3,000 to 17,500 lb. capacity

    3,000 lb. capacity

    "<yoastmark

    The smallest of the modern pneumatic style forklifts, the 3,000 lb. pneumatic is ideal for light-duty outdoor applications. Common industries include pallet manufacturers and fabricating companies.

    3,500 lb. capacity

    3,500 lb. pneumatic forklift
    3,500 lb. pneumatic forklift

    A small step up from the 3,000 lb. pneumatic, the 3,500 lb. gives a little more lifting power without compromising the small footprint.

    4,000 lb. capacity

    4,000 lb. pneumatic forklift

    A 4,000 lb. pneumatic will have a larger frame than the 3,000 to 3,500 lb. trucks. But it will have a smaller counterweight than the 5,000 lb. pneumatic.

    5,000 lb. capacity

    5,000 lb. pneumatic forklift
    5,000 lb. pneumatic forklift

    Like its close relative the 5,000 lb. cushion, the pneumatic version is a very common size truck to see. Larger tires and higher ground clearance mean it can handle a variety of outdoor terrains, like grass, mud, gravel, and concrete.

    6,000 lb. capacity

    Used 6,000 lb. LPG Forklift For Sale
    6,000 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drive tires

    Unlike other models, the jump from 5,000 lb. to 6,000 lb. in the pneumatic style means a fairly big jump in size. The counterweight on these trucks juts out much further than the next size down, resulting in a longer truck.

    6,500 lb. capacity

    used pneumatic tire forklift for sale
    6,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with cab

    Like the 6,000 lb. before it, the 6,500 lb. pneumatic features a larger counterweight and carriage.

    8,000 lb. capacity

    8,000 lb. pneumatic forklift
    8,000 lb. pneumatic forklift with cab

    Commonly found in lumber yards and manufacturing facilities with outdoor storage, the 8,000 lb. pneumatic is often fitted with a cab. So no matter what Mother Nature throws at it, the operator can stay warm and dry.

    10,000 lb. capacity

    10,000 lb. pneumatic forklift
    10,000 lb. pneumatic forklift with cab

    The 10,000 lb. pneumatic can be found where its smaller cousin, the 8,000 lb. pneumatic thrives but just needs a little more "oomph" to get the job done.

    13,500 lb. capacity

    Used Toyota Pneumatic Tire Forklift
    13,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drive tires

    A rather uncommon size for a pneumatic, you still may see some 13,500 lb. pneumatic forklifts driving around outdoor lumber and metal yards.

    15,500 lb. capacity

    15,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drives
    15,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drives

    A staple of lumber and concrete yards, the 15,500 lb. pneumatic can come in either an LPG or diesel-powered configuration. Options like a cab with heat and dual drive tires are often found on this size machine.

    17,500 lb. capacity

    17,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drive tires
    17,500 lb. pneumatic forklift with dual drive tires

    One step up from the 15,500 lb. pneumatic, the 17,500 lb. is found in applications like fabricating and assembly plants.

    High-capacity forklifts

    Yard trucks

    These behemoths range in capacity from 22,000 lb. to a whopping 125,000 lb.! Common industries that use these types of forklifts include lumber yards, metal yards, and shipping ports.

    High-capacity pneumatic forklift
    High-capacity pneumatic forklift

    High-capacity pneumatic forklift
    High-capacity pneumatic forklift

    Low-profile high-capacity pneumatic forklift
    Low-profile high-capacity pneumatic forklift

    Marina forklifts

    Diesel marina forklift
    Diesel marina forklift

    Built to lift boats in and out of tall storage racks while coping with the corrosive nature of seawater, marina forklifts are over-sized lifts with long, rubber-coated forks. They come in a variety of configurations, including diesel and electric.

    Container handlers

    You'll find these beasts in shipping ports, where they are used to handle containers brought from overseas via cargo ships. They feature specially-designed lifting carriages and come in two configurations: with mast and with reach.

    Straight-mast container handler
    Mast-style container handler

     

    Reach-style container handler
    Reach-style container handler

    Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

    Telehandlers

    Also called "telescoping forklifts," these machines feature a boom arm that extends outward. While most often found with a fork attachment, these machines can also mount buckets, hooks, and clamps. Capacities range from 5,500 to 16,755 lb. And lifting heights range from 19 to 56 feet.

    5,500 lb. Genie telehandler
    5,500 lb. Genie telehandler

     

    JCB rotating telehandler
    JCB rotating telehandler

     

    Genie 12,000 lb. telehandler on jobsite
    Genie 12,000 lb. telehandler on job site

     

    JCB Teletruck telehandler
    JCB Teletruck telehandler

     

    Fendt cab-lift telehandler
    Fendt cab-lift telehandler

    Off-road forklifts

    8,000 lb. Case off-road forklift
    8,000 lb. off-road forklift

    This type of forklift is commonly used in construction and farming. That's because it's useful for carrying heavy loads across uneven, muddy terrain. These machines are usually diesel-powered and feature over-sized, air-filled tires.

    Truck-mounted forklift

    You'll often see these forklifts traveling down the highway on the back of semi-truck trailers. Also called "piggyback" forklifts, they can be deployed anywhere they're needed to load and unload their "host" truck and trailer.

    Trailer-mounted forklift on highway
    Trailer-mounted forklift

     

    Palfinger box-mounted forklift
    Remote-control box-mounted forklift

    Tractor forklifts

    Almost exclusively found on farms, tractor forklifts are simply a tractor with a forklift mast mounted on either the front or the back of the tractor. They can function as an off-road forklift for smaller loads, saving the operator the expense of a completely separate machine.

    Forklift mast mounted on back of tractor
    Tractor with forklift mast mounted on the rear

     

    Tractor with front-mounted forklift mast
    Tractor with a front-mounted forklift mast

    Wheel loaders

    While these machines usually have a bucket attachment, they can also feature a straight mast with forks or just forks. The size of these machines allows them to lift greater capacities than the smaller forklifts featured in this list.

    Wheel loader with straight mast
    Wheel loader with a straight mast

     

    Wheel loader with fork attachment
    Wheel loader with fork attachment

    Skid steers

    Skid steer with forks
    Skid steer with forks

    Like telehandlers and wheel loaders, skid steers can function with a variety of attachments besides forks. This saves operators the expense of needing two different machines since one can perform a variety of tasks.

    Specialized: Swing-Reach, Multi-Directional, Sideloader, Cold Storage And Explosion-Proof Forklifts

    Swing-reach order pickers

    Raymond swing reach forklift
    Raymond swing-reach order picker

    This type of forklift is closely related to its cousin the standard order picker. Whereas the standard order pickers have fixed forks that can only be driven in or out of the pallet, the swing-reach's forks can approach pallets from a variety of positions. This allows warehousing operations to pack more material in tighter aisles but still be able to retrieve it.

    Multi-directional forklifts

    Multi-directional forklifts allow the operator to drive forward, backward and side-to-side. Instead of using the steering wheel, the operator can switch travel direction with just the flick of a switch! This comes in handy when trying to handle very long loads that can't fit through doorways.

    Combilift mult-directional forklift carrying a load of pipes
    Combilift multi-directional forklift

     

    Airtrax Sidewinder mult-directional forklift
    Airtrax Sidewinder multi-directional forklift

    Electric multi-directional forklift
    Electric multi-directional forklift

     

    Maxtruck multi-directional telescopic forklift
    Maxtruck multi-directional telescopic forklift

    Sideloaders

    Like multi-directional forklifts, sideloaders make handling long loads much easier. These machines are a combination of a truck and a forklift. Instead of the mast being mounted on the front of the machine, it's sandwiched in the middle of the chassis. Common industries of use include lumber yards, steelyards, and recycling facilities.

    Used Sideloader For Sale
    Baumann sideloader

     

    Hubtex MU electric sideloader
    Hubtex MU electric sideloader

    Cold storage

    While they look nearly identical to "regular" forklifts, cold storage forklifts have special parts that are resistant to freezing and condensation. Beyond that, certain sensitive components are sealed to prevent excessive moisture. Some models can even be manufactured out of stainless steel to prevent rust formation in high-saline environments, like meat processing facilities.

    Toyota 4-wheel electric cold storage model
    Cold storage 4-wheel electric forklift

     

    Reach truck cold storage model
    Cold storage reach truck

    Explosion-proof forklifts

    For industries where explosions are a constant threat, a standard forklift would present too much of a danger. To eliminate the chance of combustion, all electrical components in an explosion-proof forklift are completely sealed. And any metal parts which could spark on contact are replaced or covered with non-sparking bronze. Paint factories, sugar mills, and ordnance facilities are popular users of this type of machine.

    Explosion-proof Rico forklift
    Explosion-proof Rico sitdown electric forklift

     

    "<yoastmark

    "<yoastmark

    Other: Automated Vehicles, By Mast, And Antiques

    Autonomous & remote controlled forklifts

    Like it or not, automation is the future. Even with a solid 4% job growth for forklift operators expected between 2018 and 2028, robotic forklifts are set to take over. Even today, there are a couple of types of forklifts already on the market that are doing more and more of the human operator's job for them.

    Robotic pallet jacks

    Automated rider pallet jack
    Automated rider pallet jack

    Pallet jacks with "vision guidance" can follow the layout of a warehouse using 3D modeling technology.

    Order pickers with wire guidance

    Wire guidance order picker diagram
    Wire guidance order picker diagram

    Order pickers with a wire guidance package installed can follow along a path automatically with only minimal input from the operator.

    By mast

    While not technically a "type" of forklift, forklifts can be categorized by the type of mast they have installed. The most common type is the triplex mast. But as a general rule, most forklifts can take a multitude of different sizes and configurations.

    Simplex mast

    Pneumatic forklift with simplex mast
    Pneumatic forklift with simplex mast

    A simplex mast features two mast rails and no free lift cylinder. When the forks are raised, the inner rail will almost immediately protrude from the top. These masts work well outdoors but can cause problems when operated indoors with low ceilings.

    Duplex mast

    Cushion forklift with a duplex mast
    Cushion forklift with a duplex mast

    A duplex mast has two rails, like the simplex mast. But the difference is the duplex mast has a free lift cylinder. This allows the load to be raised a certain distance before the inner rails protrude from the top.

    Triplex mast

    Used IC Forklift For Sale
    Cushion forklift with a triplex mast

    The triplex mast consists of three rails and a free lift cylinder. This type of mast is common in rental fleets and just about anywhere else that uses forklifts.

    Quad mast

    used toyota cushion forklift
    Cushion forklift with a quad mast

    A quad mast has four mast rails and a free lift cylinder. These forklifts can reach heights of 20 feet or more and can be found in warehousing operations.

    Trucker mast

    4,000 lb. cushion forklift with trucker mast
    Cushion forklift with a trucker mast

    A trucker mast is essentially a simplex mast that's been cut down. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they allow operators to double-stack pallets within a semi-trailer without piercing the roof of the trailer.

    Double mast

    Cushion forklift with a double mast and boom attachment
    Cushion forklift with a double mast and boom attachment

    A double mast forklift has a second mast attached to the carriage of the first mast. When the first mast reaches maximum height, the second mast will extend. This is an extremely rare type of mast configuration and reduces the lifting capacity of the truck considerably.

    Antique forklifts

    Forklifts have been helping workers since the early 20th century. There have been countless designs throughout the years, many of questionable safety. But one thing is for sure: without them and the men and women who operate them, industry would have come to a standstill decades ago. Here are a few of the more interesting kinds of forklifts that have come and gone over the years:

    The world's first forklift from 1924
    The first internal combustion forklift, released in 1924

     

    Elwell Parker forklift with multi-fork attachment
    Elwell Parker forklift with multi-fork attachment

     

    The first British-made forklift: The Coventry Climax Engines ET199 forklift, circa 1946
    The first British-made forklift: The Coventry Climax Engines ET199 forklift, circa 1946

     

    World War II-era forklift operated by the U.S. Navy
    World War II-era forklift operated by the U.S. Navy

     

    Towmotor forklift circa 1940's
    Towmotor forklift circa the 1940s

     

    "<yoastmark

     

    1953 Yale forklift without overhead guard
    1953 Yale forklift without overhead guard

     

    Clark Trucloader forklift
    Clark Trucloader forklift

     

    Antique Towmotor forklift restored
    Antique Towmotor forklift restored

    Now We’d Like To Hear From You

    Do you use a forklift that wasn't included on the list?

    Are you looking for more specific information on anything you saw?

    Either way, leave a comment below!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eureka Forklifts says

      February 5, 2020

      Thanks for sharing the information on types of forklift. Choosing the right forklift to fulfill your needs is necessary. I appreciate the informative post and pictures you have shared of different types of forklifts.

      Reply
      • Ryan Weyers says

        February 5, 2020

        You’re very welcome. Glad you found it insightful!

        Reply
    2. Chris Moellers says

      May 5, 2020

      The semax is a unique truck, the JCB and Hubtex steel foundry design seem unique and could be added to your list

      Reply
      • Ryan Weyers says

        May 5, 2020

        Thank you Chris for the unique suggestions to add to this list! We’ll keep those in mind for our next update.

        Reply
        • Ingrid Pendleton says

          March 7, 2021

          Hi.
          I like to take the basic fork lift course. I work at a seafood plant. They use a Japanese brand fork lift with a name starting with a K. I wonder if i have to learn from the same kind of vehicle. The warehouse environment is wet and cold.
          Amazed as to how extensive the list of product you provide here.

          KP

          Reply
          • Alex Hilke says

            March 8, 2021

            Thank you for the compliment KP 🙂 If you’re interested in becoming a forklift operator, you might want to check out our complete guide to getting your forklift license. Let us know if you have any questions and good luck!

            Reply
    3. Devin Ahern says

      January 15, 2021

      Great article! This is the first time I’ve seen such a definitive list of forklift types. Nothing beats a standard 5k cushion though.

      Reply
      • Ryan Weyers says

        January 15, 2021

        Thanks Devin. We tried to be as thorough as possible with the list and we’re glad you enjoyed the read!

        Reply
    4. Michelle Catapang says

      March 26, 2021

      Your content is helpful and well-detailed. Looking forward for more content.

      Reply
    5. Mildred says

      June 26, 2021

      Great job on this article! I’m intrigued with your thoughts on this subject as well as your writing skills. Thanks for sharing the all types of forklifts.

      Reply
    6. Read's says

      October 15, 2021

      Towmotors are incredible. You can still find them being used today.

      Reply
      • Alex Hilke says

        October 22, 2021

        Indeed! We still see Towmotors come through our shop on occasion. Very impressive longevity!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    Get In Touch With Us

    Feel free to contact us the old fashioned way. Sometimes it’s nice to talk to a real person.
    _
    t: (920) 499-5181

    Locations

    Green Bay
    _
    2290 S. Ashland Ave
    Green Bay, WI
    54304

    Neenah
    _
    528 Enterprise Dr
    Neenah, WI
    54956

    Wausau
    _
    5901 Packer Dr
    Wausau, WI
    54401

    Richfield
    _
    3046 Helsan Dr Suite B
    Richfield, WI
    53076

    Copyright © 2023 · Conger Industries Inc. · Sales Terms & Conditions · Service Terms & Conditions · Rental Terms & Conditions