Discover the variety of forklift types: What types of forklifts are there and where are they used?
In the world of material handling, forklifts play a crucial role, and yet the different types and their specific applications are often less well known. From forklift trucks to less common models such as telehandlers or side loaders, there are a variety of options that vary depending on the work environment and requirements. In this article, we explore the variety of forklift types and highlight their individual areas of application. Please note that due to the large number of forklift types, not all of them can be covered in detail as this would go beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we will focus on a selection to give you an insight into the world of forklifts. Dive into the world of forklifts and discover which forklift type suits which requirements.
The forklift / front loader
Forklifts are extremely versatile industrial trucks used in warehouses, factories and logistics centers around the world. They come in a variety of designs, including electric and diesel. Electric forklifts offer an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel forklifts as they do not produce harmful emissions and are ideal for indoor use. They feature powerful batteries and are quiet in operation. In contrast, diesel forklifts are particularly powerful and are well suited for outdoor use where large loads need to be moved for long periods of time. Diesel forklifts are front loaders and have robust vehicle frames that ensure long-lasting performance. A front loader is a forklift with the driver's seat facing the direction of travel, allowing the driver to keep an eye on the load at all times. Although front loaders are the "classic" forklifts and are the most commonly used, they have two disadvantages: a large turning circle and low stability, which makes them less suitable for narrow aisles and large loads.
At Griptech, discover a wide range of attachments and accessories for forklifts that make your goods handling safer and more efficient. Our range includes high-quality products such as KOOI®Reachforks, Fork positioners, Multi pallet handler, Clamps and Roll clampsthat cover a wide range of requirements. In addition, we offer innovative Weighing systems which both hydraulic and load cells, determine the weight of your load precisely. With our Camera systems for forklifts you always have an overview of your work environment. Our products are designed to optimize your work processes and ensure the safety of your employees.
Heavy-duty forklifts
Heavy-duty forklifts play a crucial role in large industrial plants and logistics centers, where loads weighing several tons must be moved safely and efficiently. These impressive machines, often referred to as the giants of material handling technology, are specially designed to handle exceptionally heavy objects such as heavy machinery, large containers or massive steel beams. With their robust construction, powerful engines and special load handling devices, they can move and precisely position loads of up to several hundred tons. Despite their impressive size and power, heavy-duty forklifts are amazingly precise and easy to control, making them indispensable helpers in difficult environments such as steel mills, port facilities and construction sites. Their efficiency makes a significant contribution to speeding up work processes and reducing both time and labor costs. Heavy-duty forklifts are therefore indispensable tools when it comes to moving exceptionally heavy loads in large industrial plants or logistics centers.
Griptech offers suitable KOOI®Reachforks with a load capacity of up to 40.000 kg, which enable safe and precise handling of heavy loads. In addition, Griptech offers hydraulic weighing systems that can be used on vehicles with a load capacity of up to 100.000 kg to ensure accurate weight measurement during goods handling. As the size of the forklift increases, the need for advanced safety systems such as Camera systems and Radar systemsto improve the visibility and maneuverability of the vehicle and prevent accidents.
Reach stacker
Reach stackers, also known as reach stackers, are specialised industrial trucks designed for stacking and handling containers from the ground or to and from rail wagons or swap bodies. These heavy wheeled vehicles have an impressive lifting capacity of up to 50 tonnes and can weigh up to 100 tonnes. Unlike conventional forklifts, the spreader, the load-handling device, on reach stackers is not mounted on a mast, but on the end of an inclined arm similar to that of a telescopic crane or telehandler. This allows reach stackers to reach load units from above, even reach over other containers and stack containers up to the third row. This flexibility enables them to transfer containers directly from one train to the train on the adjacent track, something that conventional forklifts could not achieve by shunting. Reach stackers are a cost-effective alternative to gantry cranes and straddle carriers, especially in small transshipment terminals, and offer the possibility of picking up complete semi-trailers and placing them on wagons using a special harness, the "piggyback spreader", which is often seen in intermodal transport.
Griptech offers a outstanding hydraulic, SOLAS-compliant weighing system which offers a high accuracy of ±0,2% of the reach stacker's load capacity. This system enables precise weighing of containers during handling. In addition, Griptech offers a wide range of Camera systems and Radar systemsthat are essential for the safety of reach stacker operations. These systems improve the operator's visibility and help them identify potential obstacles early, contributing to a safer working environment.
The reach truck / reach frame stacker
Reach trucks, also known as reach frame trucks, belong to the category of motorized industrial trucks and are optimized for vertical goods storage and use in narrow warehouse structures. They have a reach mast with rigid forks that can be moved lengthways and is partially tiltable, or a rigid mast with tiltable forks. The driver usually sits across the direction of travel, while the drive axle of the usually three-wheeled versions is on the side facing away from the load. The center of gravity within the wheel base reduces the risk of tipping, which makes it possible to keep reach trucks very short and to make operation in narrow aisles easier. Compared to other types of forklifts, they are still among the most agile models, even if they are designed somewhat wider.
Discover Griptechs special tine adjustments for reach trucks, which allow flexible adaptation to different loads and thus increase efficiency in warehouse operations. In addition, Camera systems available, which in combination with the Free lift holder significantly increase the overview when storing and retrieving pallets. These advanced technologies not only make it easier to handle goods, but also significantly improve safety and accuracy in warehouse environments.
Electric pallet trucks
Pallet trucks are versatile industrial trucks that make loading, unloading and transporting pallets efficient. There are three main types: pedestrian-operated pallet trucks, ride-on pallet trucks and side-seat pallet trucks. These electric pallet trucks are ideal for transporting loads of up to 2 tonnes, especially in warehouses and DIY stores. With an electric drive and a lifting height of between 6 and 14 centimetres, they offer easy handling and high manoeuvrability at speeds of up to 20 km/h. The pedestrian-operated models are pedestrian-operated industrial trucks and offer safety features such as automatic braking when the tiller is folded down. Ride-on pallet trucks have a folding or fixed platform for comfort on longer journeys. The side-seat pallet trucks enable high loads to be transported quickly over longer distances and offer additional comfort and safety for the driver thanks to their ergonomic design and side panel protection. It is important to note that machines that travel faster than 6 km/h are no longer considered pedestrian industrial trucks with a ride-on feature, but rather industrial trucks with a driver's platform. In this case, an industrial truck license, also known as a forklift license, is required in accordance with Section 7 Paragraph 1 of the accident prevention regulations for industrial trucks (BGV D27).
In addition, Griptech offers specialized solutions for load control. hydraulic weighing system TC2000-S was specially developed for warehouse vehicles and enables precise weight measurement during transport. In addition, Griptech also offers a Conversion for low lift truck in which load cells can be integrated. These conversions enable precise weight measurement directly on the industrial truck, which enables optimized warehousing and logistics planning. With these solutions, Griptech is helping to further improve the efficiency and safety of goods handling with low-lift trucks.
Electric pallet trucks
High lift trucks are the optimal solution for applications with low goods turnover and short transport distances. They can replace a forklift at heights of up to around 6 meters and are particularly suitable for smaller halls. High lift trucks are typically pedestrian stackers, which is why they are mainly used for short distances. Nevertheless, in terms of stacking performance, they are in no way inferior to a classic front loader. Depending on the design, manually operated hydraulic lifting models can lift loads up to 3 meters, while electric models can even reach up to 6 meters. The maximum load varies between 400 kilograms and 2 tons. High lift trucks enable loads to be stored on shelves, trucks to be loaded and unloaded, and limited transport. However, it is important to note that for safety reasons, high lift trucks should not be used on slopes and should only be used on solid and level surfaces. These industrial trucks are also known as pallet stackers or pedestrian stackers.
In addition, Griptech offers specialized solutions for load control. hydraulic weighing system TC2000-S was specially developed for warehouse vehicles and enables precise weight measurement during transport. In addition, Griptech also offers a Conversion for high lift truck in which load cells can be integrated. These conversions enable precise weight measurement directly on the industrial truck, which enables optimized warehousing and logistics planning. With these solutions, Griptech is helping to further improve the efficiency and safety of goods handling with low-lift trucks.
Scissor lift truck
Scissor lift trucks are essential components in warehouses and logistics centers, where a variety of forklift types and model variants are needed to efficiently place and move goods. These all-rounders are designed to lift items to precise working heights, which is particularly crucial when loading and unloading shelves. In warehouses, where efficiency and precise placement of goods are top priorities, conventional forklift trucks often reach their limits. Scissor lift trucks offer a solution to these challenges by enabling safe and precise handling of products, even in hard-to-reach areas. Their versatility extends beyond warehouses and also finds application in manufacturing facilities, retail stores and event venues. With their ability to perform precise movements and ensure safe handling, scissor lift trucks make a significant contribution to optimizing warehouse processes and increasing efficiency.
Griptech offers a rocking Scissor lift truck in their product range. This scissor lift truck not only allows loads to be lifted precisely to the desired working height, but also offers the option of weighing the weight of the loads. With a weighing accuracy of ±0,1% of the weighed weight, this weighing scissor lift truck ensures that companies not only work efficiently, but also receive accurate information about the weight of their loads.
hand pallet truck
A pallet truck, whether with or without an electric drive, is an indispensable industrial truck for the internal transport of goods. Equipped with two metal tines, it can move transport pallets, lattice boxes and other transport aids effortlessly on level ground. A hydraulic device and a rod adjust the height of the lifting tines parallel to the ground in order to lift the pallet for transport. The handle of the pallet truck is used both for moving and steering and for lifting using a hydraulic cylinder. A lever with a cable pull is usually used for lowering. Hand pallet trucks are comparatively light and can move loads of 2,0 t (for standard devices). They are intended exclusively for storing and moving pallets and are not suitable for transporting people.
Griptech also offers a weighing hand pallet truck in the product range. This hand pallet truck has a load capacity of 2000 kg and is equipped with high-quality weighing components that ensure a weighing accuracy of ±0,1% of the weighed weight. The robust base of the pallet truck is galvanized, while the large handle is covered with rubber to ensure a secure grip. Each wheel arm is mounted with two load cells in a line to enable accurate weight measurements. The battery of the weighing hand pallet truck has a capacity for around 100 operating hours and can be charged with an external charger