A forklift truck plays a pivotal role in day-to-day warehouse activities.
This guide from Stakapal will help you identify different types of forklifts, the style of racking they work best with and the benefits they offer your warehouse or yard operations.
Forklift Truck Type: Pedestrian Controlled Lift Truck
The pedestrian-controlled lift truck has a limited lift height, usually up to 2 meters. It can be powered electronically or manually. The operator stands behind the machine and controls it using a handle.
Truck Type: Industrial Counterbalance Lift Truck
This truck comes in both 3-wheel and 4-wheel options and features a counterweight to balance the fork arms. It can raise or lower loads vertically, and the mast can tilt up to 15 degrees (typically only 5 degrees). It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Forklift Truck Type: Industrial Reach Truck
Named for its forward-moving mast that reaches out to pick up loads, the industrial reach truck retracts the load back within the wheelbase during travel. This design allows for flexible movement in restricted spaces, making it ideal for smooth, hard, level surfaces in warehouses.
Truck Type: Side Loader Lift Truck
The operator of this truck sits at the front and to one side. Loads are carried on the deck during travel and are picked up or set down sideways relative to the direction of travel. This type of truck is mainly used for handling long loads, such as Timber and Steel or Copper Pipes.
Forklift Truck Type: Narrow Aisle Articulated Truck
These reach trucks operate in narrow, unguided aisles, with the ability to function in aisles as narrow as 1.6 meters. They can lift up to 13 meters and handle load capacities of up to 2000 kilograms.
Truck Type: Very Narrow Aisle Guided (VNA) Truck
VNA trucks are used in guided environments to enhance warehouse efficiency. They provide access to both sides of the aisle in high-bay warehouses without needing to turn around.
Forklift Truck Type: 4 Way Reach Truck
A 4-way reach truck can transport loads forwards, backwards, and sideways. It is well-suited for transporting long items, in addition to standard pallets and containers.
Which Forklift Truck should I choose?
Selecting the right forklift truck for your warehouse or yard is crucial for optimising operational efficiency and safety. Each type of forklift discussed in this guide offers unique benefits tailored to specific tasks and environments. By understanding the distinct features and capabilities of each forklift, you can make informed decisions that enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and ensure the safe handling of various loads within your facility.
Whether you are dealing with narrow aisles, long items, or require versatile movement, the appropriate forklift can significantly contribute to the smooth operation of your warehouse or yard.
If you want to know more about how Stakapal can help you maximise your warehouse operations and efficiency, contact us today!
Stakapal are full members of SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association), with our installation and inspection teams fully SARI (SEMA Approved Rack Inspector), and SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme) registered.
