Forklifts are categorized into the following types based on the structure:
Standard Trucks: Standard Trucks make up the sturdy and big units that are often utilized inside factories. Standard trucks could typically lift weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades could carry loads as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: The reach truck or narrow aisle forklift are normally smaller, more maneuverable and runs mostly on electricity. These machines are specifically designed for pallet storage. They are capable of carrying loads up to 40 feet in height. If you want lifting and unloading weights quickly and over long distances, than a reach truck would not be the best choice for your needs.
Order Selector: Order Selectors are very narrow aisle trucks that are utilized to transport racked loads that are smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are different in that they are capable of lifting both the load and the truck driver up to 40 feet in height.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been referred to by lots of names such as: riders, walkies and walkie riders. These units are appropriately named due to the fact that the driver is not required to sit in the vehicle in order to operate it. Instead, the driver walks beside the truck as it transports the load.
Swing Mast Trucks: Swing Mast Trucks are similar in appearance to regular models of trucks. These are machines with a narrow aisle and have masts which could swing up to 90 degrees, just in one direction.
Turret Trucks: The turret truck has been designed to operate in very narrow aisles. Similar to an Order Selector, they could lift the load as well as the driver. Furthermore, these trucks can swing their forks 90 degree on each side.
Visit your local lift truck dealership to see all of these different models and determine what in particular will be best for your application. If you would like to rent before you purchase, this is a good option for you to be able to check out different units before making such a big purchase. Make certain you have a list of questions for your forklift dealer and be truthful regarding what the company's requirements are when you are talking about the facts with a reliable dealer.
These days, there is such a wide variety of lift truck units available, that it does not matter where you are, you would be able to find the best lift truck for your company.