What Forklift Type is Best For Warehouses?

Choosing the right forklift for your warehouse is an important job. You want to ensure that it’ll do the job properly and keep your staff safe. Whether you work in a distribution centre or out on a farm, bagging up produce, you need a forklift that’ll suit your project and budget. Choosing the wrong one could slow down your productivity and lower staff morale.

Common Mistakes When Picking a Warehouse Forklift

For all warehouses around Australia, a forklift is an essential piece of equipment. 

• Not considering aisle widths and warehouse layout
• Miscalculating load capacity and lifting power
• Choosing the wrong fuel source
• Picking the wrong type of tyre
• Overpaying for a new forklift when a used forklift fits your budget

The 4 Main Types of Forklifts Used In Warehouses Across Australia

Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklift you’ll find in warehouses and worksites across Australia. As the name suggests, counterbalance forklifts use a heavy rear counterweight to offset the weight of the load on the front of the forklift so it doesn’t topple over. 

They are budget-friendly, easy to operate, can tackle a wide range of loads and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Counterbalance forklifts are best used for:

• Loading and unloading trucks
• General warehouse tasks
• Mixed indoor/outdoor use

If you are unsure of what forklift to buy for your warehouse, this is usually a standard forklift.

Walk Behind Forklifts

These are compact, pedestrian-operated units where the operator walks behind the machine. Walk-behind forklifts have incredibly tight turning circles and are more budget-friendly than a standard forklift. These machines are best used in small warehouses or for picking and packing orders at lower heights.

Pallet Forklifts

Pallet forklifts, more commonly known as reach trucks, are designed for indoor warehouses with tight aisles and stacks of shelves. Unlike standard forklifts, reach trucks can extend their forks forward, allowing them to lift pallets to high shelves.

Rough Terrain Forklifts

Rough terrain forklifts are built and designed for outdoor use and warehousing on uneven and gravel surfaces. Rough terrain forklift trucks feature power diesel engines, pneumatic tyres and high ground clearance, allowing them to move heavy loads with ease.

Electric vs LPG vs Diesel Forklifts

Choosing The Right Forklift For Your Warehouse

Before making a decision, it’s important to think about your workplace and warehouse. Make sure to measure your narrowest aisle, your highest shelf and confirm your floor’s weight capacity.

At Forklogic, we specialise in matching your business with the right machinery. With our lease-to-buy and rental options, our team will help find the perfect forklift for you. 

If you need advice on where to start, give our friendly team a call on 1300360936 or complete our online enquiry form today.