The Best Forklifts for Indoor Use

Forklifts are essential to the smooth running of material handling operations, regardless of the industry you work in or the size of your premises. With so many products being handled, having the right machines in place is more important than ever – for efficiency, and for safety.

Not all forklifts are suited to indoor use. Diesel forklifts in particular, with their high emissions, are not recommended for internal environments. There are, however, many types better suited to the job.

In this article, we cover the best forklifts for indoor use, helping you find the right fit-for-purpose machines for your operation.

Common indoor forklift types

From counterbalance to narrow aisle forklifts, there are many different types of forklifts used indoors, each suited to different applications, environments, and operational challenges. Key types of forklifts commonly found in warehouses, facilities, and other indoor environments include:

• Reach Trucks
• Pallet Trucks
• Pallet Stackers
• Order Pickers
• VNA Trucks
• Articulated Forklifts
• Multi-Directional Forklifts

Reach Trucks

Reach trucks are warehouse forklifts with extendable forks that stretch forward to place and retrieve loads from high racking. This allows operators to make full use of vertical storage space without needing a larger machine or wider aisle.

Key benefits include:

• Maximises vertical storage space
• Suited to narrower warehouse aisles
• Greater precision when handling loads at height
• Available from a range of leading manufacturers

Pallet Trucks

Pallet trucks are used for moving palletised loads across flat surfaces. The forks slide under the pallet, which is then raised slightly off the ground and transported to its destination. This allows for quick, efficient movement of goods with minimal effort.

Key benefits include:

• Simple and cost-effective operation
• Available in manual and electric variants
• Suited to loading, unloading, and short-distance transport
• Compact enough for use in tight spaces

Order Pickers

Order pickers are designed for picking individual items from racking at height, lifting the operator along with the load. This gives operators visibility, allowing for accurate, efficient picking.

Key benefits include:

• Allows operators to pick directly from racking at height
• Improves accuracy and picking speed
• Reduces reliance on multiple pieces of equipment
• Available in a range of lift heights to suit different racking configurations

VNA Forklifts

VNA (very narrow aisle) forklifts are built to operate in significantly tighter aisles than standard machines. They allow warehouses to install additional racking and increase storage capacity without expanding the premises.

Key benefits include:

• Maximises storage capacity through tighter aisle configuration
• Improves aisle safety for operators and pedestrians
• Helps protect stock from damage in confined spaces
• Available from a number of renowned manufacturers

Articulated Forklifts

Articulated forklifts feature a joint between the mast and body, allowing the forks to pivot independently. This means operators can enter a narrow aisle head-on and place loads without needing to turn the whole machine, allowing for safer and faster operation in confined spaces.

Key benefits include:

• Operates in aisles too narrow for standard counterbalance forklifts
• Reduces the number of machines needed across your fleet
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
• Electric variants available for emission-sensitive environments

Multi-Directional Forklifts

Multi-directional forklifts can travel forwards, backwards, and sideways, allowing them to handle long or awkward loads that standard forklifts cannot manage. This makes them particularly effective in warehouses where space is limited and load versatility is essential.

Key benefits include:

• Ideal for handling long or awkward loads such as timber or steel
• Improved visibility at all angles for safer operation
• Available in a number of fuel types
• Built by some of the most renowned manufacturers in the industry

What is the best forklift fuel type for indoor use?

There are 3 fuel choices when buying forklifts – electric, LPG, and diesel. Electric and LPG are by far the best choices for indoor applications, or for forklifts that need to operate both indoors and outdoors.

Electric

Coming in a variety of makes and models, electric forklifts are one of the most popular variants out there for indoor use – and for many reasons.

• Zero emissions

Electric forklifts don’t give off any fumes, making them the most environmentally-friendly vehicle on the market. They allow you to keep your carbon footprint to an absolute minimum, allowing you to carry out operational tasks efficiently and effectively. They’re the all-round ideal forklift for enclosed space.

• Low running costs

Electric forklifts are affordable to both run and maintain, especially in comparison to their diesel counterparts. Charging the machine will also cost less than buying LPG or diesel fuel and will give many hours of interrupted service when properly charged. They also have fewer moving parts, so you won’t have to pay extortionate amounts to have components repaired or replaced.

• Reduced noise

Being exposed to loud, persistent noise over a prolonged period of time can cause damage to your workers’ hearing. Electric forklifts, or even introducing an entire fleet of them, will be a welcome break to constant, incessant noise that’s often experienced with diesel and LPG forklifts.

Loud, relentless noise can also cause a distraction to workers on the warehouse floor, so opt for a quieter alternative in order to look after your employees’ best interests.

LPG

LPG forklifts have been consistently used for indoor warehouse operations due to their low emission levels, quiet operation and low upfront cost. They make an ideal alternative to electric forklifts.

• Low initial cost

Buying an LP gas forklift is typically more affordable compared to other forklift models. The fuel is also cheaper than diesel and you won’t need to have charging stations installed throughout your warehouse.

Much like electric forklifts, LPG vehicles also have fewer moving components and so the cost of replacing parts will be relatively cheap.

• Quieter operation

While not as quiet as an electric forklift, LPG engines are far less noisy compared to diesel-powered vehicles. Less noise also means fewer distractions for workers as well as protecting their hearing over a long period of time. 

• Lower emissions

LPG forklifts release toxic fumes, but less than diesel, making them better suited for indoor applications. As lower emission machines, they help improve air quality when paired with good ventilation, making your workspace a safer place for your employees.

How application affects your choice of indoor forklift

The right forklift for your operation depends not just on its fuel type or design, but on the specific requirements of your indoor application.

In cold storage facilities, electric forklifts are a common choice, with certain models fitted with batteries designed to handle consistently low temperatures. They also produce zero emissions, which is important for maintaining air quality where ventilation is limited.

In agricultural settings such as plant nurseries or farming operations, forklifts typically need to tackle uneven or rough terrain with ease, whether moving between buildings or working inside. More specialist options, such as Prins forklifts, which are designed specifically for plant and material handling operations, may be your best choice in this case.

With every application, the best machinery is different. It’s advisable to take the time to consider your options. Should you be unsure, seek expert advice.

Need forklifts for your indoor operation?

Here at Multy Lift, we have an extensive selection of new and used forklifts including indoor forklifts, available for purchase and hire. Not only will you be able to choose a machine that’s right for you, but you’ll also have the option to tailor the vehicle even further with a choice of attachments that’ll alter the fork length and lift height.

We’re pleased to offer an abundance of material handling machines, as well as forklifts, that’ll improve your business operations, including reach trucks, pallet trucks and scissor lifts, to name a few. Regardless of what it is you need, we’ll have a solution available that’ll effortlessly meet your requirements, all for a reasonable price.

For more information about how our specialist team can help you today, get in touch with one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisors – we’re always happy to offer help and guidance when you need it most.