The basic structure of the categorization of lift trucks consists of the following:
Standard Trucks: The standard lift truck is a rugged and durable model and the most frequently utilized forklift inside factories. Standard trucks can usually lift weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades can carry loads as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: Reach Trucks are another name for narrow-aisle forklifts. Generally, these equipment run on electricity. These machines are particularly designed for pallet storage. They are capable of lifting cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you want unloading and lifting weights over long distances and quickly, than a reach truck would not be the right type of equipment for your application.
Order Selector: Order Selectors are very narrow aisle trucks which are utilized to move racked loads which are smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are different in that they can raise both the load and the truck driver as high as 40 feet.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been called by lots of names including: walkie riders, riders, and walkies. These units are aptly named because of the fact that the operator is not required to sit in the machinery in order to operate it. Instead, he walks beside the truck as it transports the load.
Swing Mast Trucks: The swing mast truck to standard models of trucks. These are machines with a narrow aisle and have masts which can swing up to 90 degrees, only in one direction.
Turret Trucks: The turret truck has been designed to operate in very narrow aisles. Like an Order Selector, they could lift the load and the operator. Moreover, these trucks are capable of swinging their forks 90 degree on each side.
Visit your local forklift dealership to see all of these different models and determine what in particular would be right for your application. If you would like to lease before you purchase, this is a good option for you so you can try out different units prior to making such a big purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions for your lift truck dealer and be really honest about what the needs of company are when you are talking about the facts with a knowledgeable dealer.
These days, there is such a huge variety of lift truck models available, that it does not matter where you are, you would be able to find the best forklift for your business.