Forklifts & Pallet Trucks

A forklift is a motor-driven industrial truck designed to transport heavy loads within a facility. Depending on the intended application, forklifts are available with a range of power sources – the three main types are electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts. Beyond these core categories, numerous specialised models exist to handle specific jobs and load requirements.

A forklift is a driver-operated industrial vehicle designed to lift, move, and stack heavy loads. The standard model rides on three or four wheels and consists of a mast with moveable forks, a drive unit, a counterweight, and a driver's seat with control instruments. A stable chassis supports the cab and motor, while the lifting frame is positioned at the front – or on the side in certain models. The counterweight on the opposite end balances heavy loads to prevent the vehicle from tipping.

Forklifts are controlled via a steering wheel or joystick, and the foot pedal layout closely mirrors that of a standard car, making the transition to forklift operation straightforward. The driver's cab is designed to offer strong protection and excellent all-round visibility, and most models include a roof guard against falling loads.

• Used for stowing and transporting loads within a facility, forklifts are an essential piece of warehouse equipment.
• Available in a wide variety of configurations to suit different applications and environments.
• Simplex, duplex, or triplex masts are selected based on the required lift height.

The forks can be adjusted manually or hydraulically to suit the lifting points of different loads, and the lifting frame itself is always hydraulically powered. Three main drive systems are available: electric, LPG, and diesel. Electric motors produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor use – they are especially common in smaller forklifts such as those found in supermarkets and retail warehouses. LPG-powered models offer relatively low emissions suitable for semi-enclosed spaces, though adequate ventilation remains essential as these engines do produce CO and CO₂. Diesel-powered machines are built for heavy industry, capable of handling coils, steel pans, and slabs thanks to their considerable lifting capacity.

In most cases, a small gap between the load and the floor – typically created by wooden pallets – is required to engage the forks. Modern lifting frames are engineered to preserve the driver's sightlines to the load, and various frame configurations accommodate everything from low-level vehicle loading to the tall racking systems found in high-bay warehouses. The simplex, duplex, and triplex mast types each address different height requirements.

Contemporary models integrate computer-controlled systems that display real-time operating data and optimise motor efficiency. Many newer machines automatically reduce speed when cornering to minimise the risk of tipping. While forklifts are primarily used indoors, ruggedised variants – known as rough-terrain forklifts – are purpose-built for outdoor and uneven-surface applications.

Operating a forklift requires a dedicated forklift licence, reflecting the significant differences between industrial trucks and standard passenger vehicles. Because forklifts use rear-wheel steering and carry a naturally high centre of gravity, operators must complete both comprehensive theoretical training and hands-on practical exercises before they are qualified to drive one.

The theoretical component covers essential topics such as load physics and safe handling principles. Practical training then builds the real-world skills needed to manage a forklift's unique handling characteristics. Chief among these is the rear-wheel steering system, which makes turning behave very differently from a conventional car – wider arcs and greater spatial awareness are required at all times.

The high centre of gravity is another critical factor. Every forklift is engineered with a counterweight at the rear to offset loaded forks, but this design also raises the tipping risk if corners are taken too sharply or at excessive speed. Understanding these dynamics is a core part of forklift operator training and a key reason the licence requirement exists.

A wide range of forklift models – from traditional lift trucks to reach trucks – are available for facility transport and loading and unloading operations. In warehouses handling long or slab-shaped materials, side loaders offer the most efficient solution. These specialised forklifts feature a lifting frame mounted on the side, and sometimes a lateral driver's seat, making them ideal for high-shelf warehouses and order picking. Widely used for wood and composite panels, side loaders carry their load laterally across a broad bearing surface, enabling safe and stable transport of oversized goods.

Reach trucks are designed for operation in narrow corridors and confined spaces. These compact lifting vehicles manoeuvre forwards and backwards with a very small turning radius, and are frequently equipped with extended lifting frames – making them particularly well suited to shipping and storage warehouses.

Many companies have specialised in forklift manufacturing, offering a wide range of machines for different applications. For electric forklifts and reach trucks, notable names include STILL, LINDE, JUNGHEINRICH, and NISSAN. LINDE, CROWN, YALE, and KOMATSU are well regarded for medium-sized models, while large and special-purpose forklifts are produced by RUDOLF MAXEIN, ZEPPELIN, and BULMOR. BAKA, BT, and CLARK also offer strong options across both new and used equipment.

The used forklift market offers excellent value, with many machines available in very good condition at competitive prices. Whether you need a compact electric model or a heavy-duty industrial truck, understanding the key manufacturers helps you identify the right equipment for your specific requirements.