Forklifts are an essential tool for material handling in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and other industries. They come in various sizes and types, each designed to meet specific needs and applications. In this article, we'll explore the different forklift types, their sizes, and uses. Counterbalance forklifts Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklifts and are used in a wide range of applications. These forklifts have a weight at the back that counterbalances the load on the front. They come in various sizes, from small forklifts that can lift 1 ton to larger ones that can lift up to 50 tons. The smaller counterbalance forklifts are ideal for indoor use, such as in warehouses and distribution centers. They are compact and can easily maneuver through narrow aisles. Larger counterbalance forklifts are ideal for outdoor use, such as in construction sites, ports, and freight yards. They can handle heavy loads and operate on rough terrain. Reach forklifts Reach forklifts are designed to lift and move loads to great heights. They have a narrow and long body that allows them to reach into narrow aisles and lift pallets to higher shelves. Reach forklifts are ideal for use in warehouses and storage facilities where vertical space is limited. The forklift operator sits in a cabin and controls the forklift with a joystick. The forklift's mast extends forward, and the load is lifted to the required height. Reach forklifts come in various sizes, from small forklifts that can lift up to 1 ton to larger ones that can lift up to 8 tons. Order picker forklifts Order picker forklifts are designed for use in warehouses and distribution centers. They are used to pick items from high shelves and place them onto pallets or into order containers. The forklift's operator stands on a platform attached to the forklift's mast and controls the forklift with a joystick. The forklift's mast extends forward, and the operator can pick items from high shelves without leaving the platform. Order picker forklifts come in various sizes, from small forklifts that can lift up to 1 ton to larger ones that can lift up to 2 tons.