The basic structure of the categorization of lift trucks comprise the following:
Standard Trucks: The standard lift truck is a rugged and durable unit and the most commonly used forklift inside warehouses. Standard trucks could usually lift 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 a different name for narrow-aisle forklifts. Generally, these machines run on electricity. These kinds of machines are particularly designed for pallet storage. They can lift cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you desire lifting and unloading weights fast and over long distances, than a reach truck would not be the best kind of machinery for your requirements.
Order Selector: Very narrow aisle lift trucks or order selectors can be used to transport racked loads which are a lot smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are different in that they are capable of raising both the truck operator and the load up to 40 feet in height.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been referred to by numerous names including: riders, walkies and walkie riders. These units are appropriately named because of the fact that the driver 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: Swing Mast Trucks are similar in appearance 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. Similar to an Order Selector, they could raise the operator as well as the load. Furthermore, these types of trucks could swing their forks 90 degree on each side.
To determine what model in particular would best meet your businesses needs, go to a local dealer to check out all the various units. If you would like to rent before you purchase, this is a good alternative for you to be able to check out different units prior to making such a big purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your lift truck dealer and be really truthful regarding what the requirements of business are when you are discussing the facts with a knowledgeable dealer.
Today, there is such a wide array of lift truck models available, that it does not matter where you are, you would be able to find the right lift truck for your company.