Forklifts play a critical role in logistical processes at warehouses, lumberyards, construction, and more. While these pieces of machinery are versatile, they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. There are various types of forklifts, each offering unique strengths and features.
So, what are the different types of forklifts? If you want to get the most out of your equipment investment, it's critical to familiarize yourself with the various forklift types. Some common alternative names of forklifts include hi-los, lift trucks, and fork trucks.
Here’s everything you need to know to identify the ideal equipment, from the benefits of buying used to the types of forklifts available to you.
Benefits of Buying a Used Forklift
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Cost Savings: Purchasing used forklifts can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying new ones. This allows you to allocate your budget more efficiently across other areas of your business.
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Immediate Availability: Unlike new equipment, which may have long lead times, used forklifts are typically available for immediate use. This means you can start your projects without delay.
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Wide Selection: Our auctions feature a diverse range of forklift types, models, and manufacturers, giving you plenty of options to find the right equipment for your needs.
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Reliable Quality: All forklifts listed on Purple Wave are thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet high standards of quality and performance. You can trust that the equipment you purchase will be reliable and ready to work.
6 Types of Forklifts for Every Job
Before purchasing your equipment, it’s essential to understand the different types of forklifts. Each forklift model has unique strengths and attachments, and finding the forklift machine types that can accommodate the kinds of attachments you need is crucial. Not all types of forklifts can accommodate every add-on tool, so begin by identifying which attachments are most important for your intended use.
Here’s more about different kinds of forklifts:
1. Cushion Tire or Pneumatic Forklift
A pneumatic forklift, like the Eaves 355 pictured above, is designed to handle uneven terrain, making it ideal for outdoor applications such as construction sites, lumber yards, and shipping docks. Pneumatic forklifts are equipped with durable, air-filled, or solid rubber “cushioned” tires that provide better traction and stability on challenging surfaces. These forklifts are capable of lifting heavy loads, often up to 15,000 pounds, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Key Features:
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Durable, air-filled, or “cushioned” tires
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Capable of lifting heavy loads, often up to 15,000 pounds
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Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Best Uses:
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Moving goods from storage facilities to exterior loading bays
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Heavy-duty outdoor tasks
Detailed Use Cases:
Pneumatic forklifts excel in environments with uneven terrain and harsher conditions. For example, at a construction site, these forklifts can easily transport heavy materials across rugged ground. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for operations that require frequent transitions between indoor and outdoor tasks.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check tire pressure and ensure they remain properly inflated to maintain optimal performance. Inspect the tires for punctures or wear and replace them as needed. Keep the forklift clean, especially after use in muddy or dirty conditions, to prevent buildup that could affect functionality.
Safety Considerations:
Pneumatic forklifts should be operated by trained professionals who understand how to navigate uneven terrain safely. Before moving, ensure the load is secured and avoid overloading the forklift to prevent tipping.
Cost Considerations:
While pneumatic forklifts may have a higher upfront cost due to their robust construction, their durability and versatility can lead to lower long-term maintenance expenses. Investing in a high-quality pneumatic forklift can be a cost-effective choice for businesses with demanding operations.
Explore Cushion Tire or Pneumatic Forklifts for Auction
2. Warehouse Forklift
A warehouse forklift, also known as a counterbalance forklift, is the most common type of cargo-moving equipment found in warehouses and distribution centers. Designed for efficiently moving inventory within confined indoor spaces, warehouse forklifts feature a compact design for navigating narrow aisles and simple controls for user-friendly operation. Understanding the different types of warehouse forklifts can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features:
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Compact design for navigating narrow aisles
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Simple controls and user-friendly design
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Typically lower lifting capacity compared to outdoor forklifts
Best Uses:
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Efficiently moving inventory within confined indoor spaces
Detailed Use Cases:
Warehouse forklifts are perfect for operations that require quick and efficient movement of goods in tight spaces. They are commonly used in retail distribution centers to move large quantities of products from storage areas to shipping bays. Their compact size and agility make them ideal for replenishing stock on warehouse shelves.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly inspect the forklifts’ mechanical components, including the brakes, steering, and lifting mechanisms. Keep the forklift clean and free of debris that could interfere with operation.
Safety Considerations:
Ensure all operators are certified and trained in safe forklift operation. Implement strict safety protocols to prevent accidents, such as using spotters in crowded areas and maintaining clear aisles. Regularly review and update safety procedures to keep up with industry standards.
Cost Considerations:
Warehouse forklifts are generally more affordable than their outdoor counterparts, making them a cost-effective solution for indoor operations. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and training expenses, to determine the best investment for your business.
Explore Warehouse Forklifts for Auction
3. Rough Terrain Forklift
A rough terrain forklift features rugged designs and is built for heavy-duty tasks on uneven or rough surfaces, such as construction sites. These forklifts are equipped with heavy-duty tires that provide excellent traction on uneven surfaces and powerful engines for lifting heavy loads.
Key Features:
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Heavy-duty tires with excellent traction on uneven surfaces
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Powerful engines for lifting heavy loads
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Large, durable design
Best Uses:
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Heavy-duty tasks on uneven or rough surfaces
Detailed Use Cases:
Rough terrain forklifts are indispensable in industries like construction and logging, where the working conditions are demanding. They can transport heavy construction materials across rugged ground and handle large logs in forestry operations. Their ability to operate in challenging environments makes them a vital tool for outdoor heavy-lifting tasks.
Maintenance Tips:
Keep the forklift’s engine and hydraulics in top condition through regular servicing. Check the tire treads frequently and replace them when they become worn to ensure continued traction. Clean the forklift thoroughly after use in muddy or dusty conditions to prevent long-term damage.
Safety Considerations:
Operators should be trained to handle the specific challenges of rough terrain, including navigating slopes and uneven ground. Use the forklift’s stabilizing features to ensure safe lifting and movement of heavy loads. Adhere to weight limits to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
Cost Considerations:
While rough terrain forklifts have a higher initial cost, their ability to perform in challenging environments can result in significant productivity gains. Consider the long-term benefits of investing in a rugged, reliable forklift that can withstand harsh conditions.
Explore Rough Terrain Forklifts for Auction
4. Side Loader
Side loaders are unique machines designed to handle long, bulky loads such as lumber, pipes, and steel bars. They are ideal for use in narrow aisles and storage areas where space is at a premium. Side loaders have a large forklift base for stability when handling lengthier items.
Key Features:
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Designed to handle long, bulky loads
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Operates efficiently in narrow aisles
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Large forklift base of stability
Best Uses:
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Handling long, bulky loads such as lumber, pipes, and steel bars
Detailed Use Cases:
Side loaders excel in environments where long materials need to be transported through narrow spaces. For example, in a steel fabrication plant, side loaders can efficiently move long steel beams. In lumber yards, they can easily handle large pieces of timber, optimizing space usage and improving operational efficiency.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly inspect the lifting mechanisms and ensure they are properly lubricated. Check the stability features and ensure they are functioning correctly to prevent tipping.
Safety Considerations:
Operators should be trained to manage the unique challenges of side loading, including balancing long loads and navigating tight spaces. Implement safety protocols to prevent accidents, such as using mirrors to improve visibility and maintaining clear pathways.
Cost Considerations:
Due to their specialized nature, side loaders may have higher upfront costs, but their ability to handle long, bulky items efficiently can result in significant operational savings. When evaluating these forklifts, consider the cost-benefit of improved space utilization and increased productivity.
Explore Side Loader Forklifts for Auction
5. Telehandler
Telescopic handlers, more commonly known as telehandlers, combine the features of different types of forklifts and a crane. They are widely used in agriculture, construction, and logistics for lifting and placing loads in higher, elevated positions. Telehandlers feature a telescoping boom for lifting loads over obstacles and can be fitted with various attachments, such as buckets, forks, and grapples. This allows you to adapt the machinery based on the demands of your project and intended use.
Key Features:
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Telescoping boom for lifting loads over obstacles
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Can be fitted with various attachments
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Capable of handling heavy loads
Best Uses:
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Lifting and placing loads at height
Detailed Use Cases:
Telehandlers are versatile tools in agriculture for tasks such as stacking hay bales or moving feed bags. In construction, they can lift materials to the upper floors of buildings. Their ability to reach over obstacles makes them invaluable in confined spaces or complex job sites.
Maintenance Tips:
Keep the boom and lifting mechanisms in top condition with regular inspections and lubrication. Ensure attachments are properly maintained and stored when not in use. Train operators on the quick-change attachment system to maximize efficiency.
Safety Considerations:
Telehandlers require specialized training due to their complex operation. Ensure operators understand how to use the boom and attachments safely. Implement protocols to secure loads and prevent tipping, especially when lifting at height.
Cost Considerations:
Telehandlers are a significant investment, but their versatility and ability to perform multiple functions can justify the cost. Evaluate the potential for increased efficiency and reduced need for additional equipment when considering a telehandler.
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6. Pallet Jack
A guide about the different forklift types wouldn’t be complete without mentioning pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks. Pallet trucks are simple and cost-effective tools for moving palletized loads. They are widely used in warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities for short-distance transportation. Available in both manual and electric models, pallet jacks are highly affordable and easy to use.
Key Features:
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Simple and cost-effective tools
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Available in manual and electric models
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Lower weight capacity compared to forklifts
Best Uses:
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Moving palletized loads over short distances
Detailed Use Cases:
Pallet jacks are ideal for quick, short-distance moves of palletized goods. In a retail setting, they can be used to restock shelves from the backroom. In manufacturing, they are perfect for moving materials between workstations or to a loading bay. Their simplicity and ease of use make them an indispensable tool for many industries.
Maintenance Tips:
Check the wheels and handle regularly for signs of wear and tear. Ensure the hydraulic system is functioning correctly and top it up with hydraulic fluid as needed. Train operators on basic maintenance tasks to keep the pallet jack in good working condition.
Safety Considerations:
Even though pallet jacks are fairly simple to use, it’s important to follow safety protocols. Train operators on proper lifting techniques and the importance of not overloading the pallet jack. Implement guidelines for safe operation in crowded areas to prevent accidents.
Cost Considerations:
Pallet jacks are the most affordable option for moving palletized loads. Their low cost and minimal maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective solution for many businesses. Consider the balance of initial cost and operational efficiency when selecting pallet jacks for your facility.
Explore Pallet Jacks for Auction
Used Forklifts for Auction at Purple Wave
Regardless of which types of forklifts you need, you’ll find that investing in brand-new equipment can be expensive. Luckily, that’s not your only option. Sourcing used equipment from reputable equipment auctions like Purple Wave can keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum while ensuring you have the machinery necessary to get the job done.
Learn more about becoming a buyer with Purple Wave, register online, and start bidding today!
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