Forklifts come in many different shapes and sizes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Below are some of the more common forklift types that Masslift sell and hire.
1) 4 Wheel Counterbalance
The most common forklift on the market. They are straight forward forklifts with dual forks in the front and used to lift heavy loads. All three fuel types being Electric, Diesel & LP Gas come in the 4-wheel option. Capacities vary from 1.5 – 25 Tons pending on the fuel type with masts as high as 7m.
2) 3 Wheel Electric Counterbalance
Exactly the same as 4-wheel counterbalance forklifts but the back wheels are closer together in the centre of the frame for improved turning ability. Used primarily where space constraints are a factor, like the narrow aisle warehouses. Ideal for 3.2m – 3.5m aisles.
3) Reach Trucks
Built to lift loads up to heights of 13m, these machines allow warehouses to use very high aisle setups and ultimately save space with narrow spacing between aisles (roughly 2.6m-3.1m). With Mitsubishi, you can choose between a Stand-On and Sit-On Reach Truck. The Reach Truck capacities vary from 0.9 Tons – 3.0 Tons with the 1.4 Ton and 2 Ton being the most common option. Like all warehousing equipment, Reach Trucks can only be used indoors and must work on clean flat surfaces.
4) Power Pallet Trucks
An electric version of the popular Pallet Jack also known as a Pump Truck. These machines help you manoeuvre pallets or other heavy goods quickly and easily within a warehouse and can lift up to 100m off the ground.
5) Stackers
Stackers are like Power Pallet Trucks but with a mast allowing the ability to lift pallets to a maximum height of 5.4m They are also known for their ease of use and are cheaper than conventional forklifts. This product is great to use in smaller warehouses. There are two types of Stackers offered depending on the pallet type used being, ‘Fork Over’ and ‘Straddle Stackers’.
6) Order Pickers
Order pickers are designed for “Hand Picking” rather than moving full pallets. They allow personnel to quickly and efficiently pick orders in a warehouse. The basic model will lift the platform to the second row of racking (1-2m). High-level order pickers can elevate the worker to a picking height of 11.5m allowing them to reach products stored in higher positions.
7) Rough Terrain
Rough Terrain forklifts are built to operate in rough uneven conditions such as gravel, sand and even muddy surfaces. The main difference between the conventional forklift and a Rough Terrain forklift is that the latter has a suspension.
8) Articulated Forklift
Articulated forklifts allow for very narrow aisles (1.5 – 2m wide). This is because they do not have to right angle stack as the mast can articulate into either side of the racking. Masslift offers the Combilift Aisle-Master which has a maximum mast height of 12.1m.
