10 Different Types of Forklift You Must Know

No matter the task occurring in a warehouse, construction site, or industrial setting, there’s a forklift specifically designed to tackle that task.

By learning about what they do, you’ll be better able to pick the right forklift to increase productivity and safety in your operations.

Understanding different types of forklift classifications is the first step to optimizing your workflow.

1. Electric Forklift

Electric forklifts perform the best in indoor spaces. They have no tailpipe emissions and run much more quietly, which reduces noise and enhances air quality.

Their agile construction ensures accurate handling in narrow surroundings, which makes them efficient for vertical storage and local load-moving. Durable foam-filled tires deliver smooth, cushion-like support while eliminating flats and high-failure tires, tackling rough terrain or job site debris easily.

Providing 90% greater efficiency compared to combustion models, these electric forklifts increase productivity while greatly reducing energy expenditures. Heavy-duty lift capacities, advanced battery systems, and safety-focused designs come standard with popular brands like Toyota, Hyster, and Jungheinrich.

Also Read: Do you need a license to operate a forklift?

2. Diesel Forklift

Diesel forklifts really excel in outdoor applications due to their superior power and torque. They’re ideal for moving in harsh environments like construction sites and rail yards. With lifting capacities from 3,000 to 15,500 lbs, they are heavy-duty workhorses that handle those applications with ease.

They need frequent upkeep—like regular oil changes and filter check-ups—to keep running their best. An individual diesel model costs between $20,000–$50,000, and they are in most cases only required to be replaced after eight years.

Feature	Diesel Forklift
Weight Capacity	3,000–15,500 lbs
Fuel Type	Diesel
Operational Cost	Higher maintenance, fuel costs apply

3. LPG Forklift

Among alternative fuel forklifts, LPG forklifts are especially versatile, thriving in both indoor and outdoor environments. Their versatility is what makes them the preferred choice in warehouses that process multiple different jobs.

In addition to using cleaner fuel, these forklifts contribute to lower emissions. They emit up to 95% less carbon monoxide, which makes them a smart choice for the environment.

Providing reliable power and fast refueling in less than five minutes, they realize productivity gains, particularly outdoors.

Major producers are Name/Model: Toyota (8FGU25), Hyster (H50XT), and Yale (GP050MX). Their cheaper production, lighter weight, and low maintenance requirements make them more alluring.

4. Narrow Aisle Forklift

Narrow aisle forklifts are great for warehouses where space is limited. Their small footprint allows them to operate in aisles narrower than 5 feet. These forklifts are specifically designed to efficiently operate in high-density storage environments often requiring warehouses to use aisles as narrow as 8 to 10 feet wide.

Narrow aisle forklifts make the most of vertical storage in hard-to-maneuver spaces, and rough terrain models head to outdoor jobs.

With load capacities up to 6,000 pounds and lift heights of 40 feet, these machines are perfect for maximizing vertical storage space. Depending on the model, you can get a wide range of capacities and maneuverability.

Here’s a breakdown:

Model Type	Aisle Width (ft)	Load Capacity (lbs)	Lift Height (ft)
Reach Truck	5-6	4,500-6,000	Up to 40
Order Picker	6-8	2,000-3,000	15-30
Turret Truck	5-6	3,000-4,500	Up to 40

As a quick side note, forklift investments can add up. New forklifts can cost $15,000-$40,000 and used ones $7,500-$17,500. To ensure cost-effectiveness, community members stress the importance of local sources to avoid high transportation costs.

5. Rough Terrain Forklift

Rough terrain forklifts are built tough. With their oversized, pneumatic tires and rugged frames, they just drive right over mud, gravel, sand and bumpy ground.

Designed for outdoor job sites, these forklifts can lift 5,000–36,000 lbs., reaching heights of 10–15 feet or up to 55 feet with telehandlers. They drive heavy loads over rough terrain at speeds over 20 mph and are very successful in construction as well as roadwork.

Ergonomic cabs complete with joystick controls provide smooth, safe and comfy operation. Popular models include:

JCB 512-56: 12,000 lbs., 56 ft. reach
Genie GTH-5519: 5,500 lbs., 19 ft. reach
Caterpillar TH514D: 11,000 lbs., 45 ft. reach

6. Order Picker Forklift

Order picker forklifts have a distinct design, allowing operators to pick items directly off tall shelves. These forklifts are best suited for warehouses with vertical storage as they can reach heights of up to 40 feet.

Their compact design makes them extraordinarily productive in aisles as narrow as 4 feet wide, providing the highest density possible for storage. Other standard safety features such as harness systems and guardrails provide greater protection for operators working at great heights.

Load capacities usually fall between 600-3,000 pounds.

7. Pallet Jack Forklift

Pallet jacks are ideal for transporting small-load palletized goods around a warehouse setting, particularly in narrow-aisle applications where maneuverability and control are essential. With a lift capacity ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, these warehouse pallet jacks forklifts are perfect for raising objects that are too heavy to lift manually.

Available in both manual and electric pallet jack forms, the manual versions are budget-friendly and straightforward, while the electric models minimize muscular effort and maximize productivity. Their small footprint allows for easy handling with a smooth 360-degree turning radius, even in tight aisles, making them a popular choice among lift operators.

Common examples include the Crown PTH 50 (manual, 5,000-pound capacity) and Raymond 8210 (electric, very lightweight and durable). Pallet jacks usually work in tandem with various types of forklifts, conveyor belts, and palletizers to enhance the efficiency of warehouses and distribution centers.

8. Reach Truck Forklift

Reach trucks excel at reaching high storage racks, allowing them to reach their forks out past the chassis, allowing them to be ideal for warehouse spaces that focus on vertical storage.

Their compact chassis can navigate aisles as narrow as 8 feet, and they’re ideally suited for dense workspaces. Instead they are designed for stability and are built with four carefully calibrated wheels.

These powerful machines can handle heavy loads to 4,500 lbs and lift to amazing heights exceeding 20 ft.

Here’s a quick comparison of reach truck features:

Feature	Specification
Power Source	Electric (24-36 volts)
Lifting Height	Up to 300 inches
Speed	7.5 mph
Load Capacity	3,000-4,500 lbs

9. Side Loader Forklift

Side loader forklifts are equipped with a unique sideways operator compartment. This design increases visibility and provides finer control when carrying long loads (e.g., pipes or timber).

Often seen in steel service centers and heavy manufacturing, their specialty becomes loading and unloading goods from truck to warehouse or vice versa. Their compact design facilitates simple production cycle maneuverability in tight aisles, complemented by hydraulic forks for quick, efficient pallet handling.

Some of the more popular models are the Baumann GX50, Combilift SL, and Hubtex 2121. Commonly utilized in warehouses, side loaders allow the ability to accommodate different pallet sizes.

Advanced safety features such as stability control systems help keep the operator secure. These forklifts are essential workhorses for efficient, space-constrained operations.

10. Telehandler Forklift

Telehandlers, or telescopic handlers, are unique for their versatile machinery, which offer the best of both cranes and forklifts. Outfitted with a flexible, yet powerful, telescopic boom, these telehandlers boost productivity and efficiency in any application.

With lifting capacities ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds and reach heights up to 32 feet, they handle heavy-duty tasks efficiently. Their versatility truly comes into play in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing environments, where great height lifting capabilities and rough surfaces are found.

Top brands such as JCB and Caterpillar provide some of the most durable machines on the market. Below is a comparison of specifications:

Brand	Boom Length (ft)	Lifting Height (ft)	Max Capacity (lbs)
JCB	19-31	32	10,000
Caterpillar	26-30	30	8,000

Types of Forklifts in Warehouses

Warehouse forklift types include reach trucks for high stacking, counterbalance models for loading docks, and electric pallet jacks for tight aisles. Order pickers streamline inventory retrieval, while narrow-aisle forklifts maximize storage density.

Also Read: What is forklift certification course and why does every worker need this certificate?

Conclusion

Forklift types vary drastically, with each designed for specific applications. Choosing the right one depends on the work environment, the type of material being handled, and the required load capacity. Each forklift type plays a crucial role in improving operational efficiency and safety at worksites. However, selecting the right forklift is only part of the equation—proper training is just as essential.

Understanding the role of forklift training across major industries ensures that operators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to handle these machines safely and efficiently. Do your research, get the right training, and choose wisely.

Before operating a forklift, ensure you’re certified!

Learn what you need to know before getting certified here