The basic structure of the categorization of lift trucks consists of the following:
Standard Trucks: Standard Trucks make up the sturdy and large units that are often utilized in warehouses. Standard trucks could normally carry weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades could lift cargo as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: Reach Trucks are another name for narrow-aisle lift trucks. Generally, these equipment run on electricity. These types of equipment are specially designed for pallet storage. They are capable of lifting cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you want unloading and lifting weights quickly and over long distances, than a reach truck will not be the right type of machinery for your requirements.
Order Selector: Very narrow aisle forklifts or order selectors could be utilized to move racked loads that are a lot smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are unique in that they are capable of raising both the truck operator and the cargo as high as 40 feet.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: Motorized Pallet Trucks are also called riders, walkies and walkie riders. These units are appropriately named because of the fact that the driver is not required to sit in the machine in order to operate it. Instead, the operator walks beside the truck as it transports the cargo.
Swing Mast Trucks: Swing Mast Trucks are similar in appearance to standard models of trucks. These are machinery with a narrow aisle and have masts which can 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 can raise the cargo as well as the operator. Moreover, these kinds of trucks can swing their forks ninety degree on each side.
Visit your local forklift dealership to see all of these various units and determine what in particular will be suitable for your application. If you would like to rent before you purchase, this is a really good option for you so you can try out various units before making such a big purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your forklift dealer and be truthful regarding what the company's requirements are when you are discussing the facts with a knowledgeable dealer.
Today, there is such a wide array of forklift models available, that it does not matter where you are, you would be able to find the best lift truck for your company.