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There are many different types of forklifts available, each with their own strengths and best uses. No single machine is fit for every application, so choosing the right one makes all the difference to your operation.
With over 10 primary types, each offering a different way of operating and suited to different applications, there’s more to consider than you might realise.
Whether you’re buying your first forklift or looking to expand your fleet, this guide breaks down the different types available, explaining what each one is and what it’s best used for.
What are the different forklift types?
There are many different types of forklifts, all available to a range of specifications, including fuel type, lift height, and weight capacity.
Fuel types span electric, LPG, and diesel; lift heights typically range from 10 to 30+ feet; and weight capacities can run from 1 tonne up to as high as 90 tonnes.
These are all worth considering, but first, the type of machine itself is important to get right.
Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklift, which you’ll find in most warehouse environments. There are however many other types, each designed with specific applications in mind:
- Reach trucks
- Pallet trucks
- Order pickers
- Rough terrain forklifts
- Telehandlers (Telescopic handlers)
- Articulated forklifts
- Side loader forklifts
- Pedestrian stackers
- Container handlers
- Multi-directional forklifts
Counterbalance forklifts
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Counterbalance forklifts are weighted at their rear, allowing for the safe lifting of heavy loads. They’re by far the most common type of forklift, which you can expect to find in almost any warehouse environment.
They’re ideal for applications inside and out that require lifting, transporting, and stacking heavy goods. Standard models typically handle between 1 and 2 tonnes, with heavy duty models capable of handling over 16 tonnes.
Reach trucks
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Reach trucks are designed specifically for loading and unloading in narrow aisles. The operator is seated to the side, giving greater visibility and control of the machine.
Capable of lifting loads from racking at heights of up to 12 metres, or up to 14 metres with more advanced models, they’re a suitable option for warehouses requiring transportation, lifting, stacking, and retrieval in tight spaces with high racking.
Pallet trucks
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Pallet trucks are designed for transporting palletised loads, and are available in both manual and electric versions. They feature two forks which are used for picking up pallets. Unlike pedestrian stackers, they don’t lift.
Manual models are typically capable of handling 1,500kg or more, while electric models are more heavy duty, capable of 3,000kg to 3,500kg and beyond. Primarily an indoor solution, they are best suited to moving pallets short distances around a warehouse or facility.
Order pickers
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Order pickers are a specialist type of forklift that lift loads along with the operator, supporting greater control over picking. They are particularly useful for dealing with awkward or tricky items, from heights of up to 14.5 + metres.
They’re a versatile option, ideal for warehouses, distribution centres, and other facilities where quick and accurate loading and unloading from shelves is required. Typically capable of handling loads from 200kg to 2,500kg, they can serve low, medium, and high shelf applications.
Rough terrain forklifts
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Rough terrain forklifts are robust machines built to tackle all surfaces (smooth, uneven, or loose) with ease. Featuring heavy duty tyres with greater grip, two and four-wheel drive as standard, they are purpose built for moving heavy loads across off-road and challenging terrain where a standard forklift would struggle.
With lift heights ranging from 3.6m to 6.7m and higher, with high power diesel engines, they are best suited to outdoor operations facing tough handling environments, including construction sites and agricultural settings.
Telehandlers (Telescopic handlers)
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Telehandlers far exceed the capabilities of traditional forklifts. They feature a single telescopic boom – an extendable arm that can move loads both upwards and forwards. The arm supports a range of attachments including forks and buckets, making them a highly versatile machine for varied outdoor lifting.
They’re typically used to lift pallets as well as items that would otherwise be difficult to move, such as concrete blocks, steel beams, and hay bales. Ideal for construction sites, farms, and any operation tackling rough outdoor conditions.
Articulated forklifts
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Articulated forklifts are highly manoeuvrable machines, featuring an independently pivoting mast that allows them to operate in exceptionally tight spaces. They’re quite commonly known as very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts, used in busy, tight warehouses and distribution centres.
Capable of working in aisles as narrow as 1.65m, they are the ideal solution where other forklift types are unable to operate.
Side loader forklifts
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Side loader forklifts are designed for the strategic transportation of long, awkward loads that would be difficult to handle with standard machinery. With forks mounted on the side of the machine rather than the front, they offer greater stability, improved operator visibility, and more precise control.
Compact enough to navigate aisles from 1.8 to 3 metres wide, they are commonly used in industrial operations. They make light work of manoeuvring long pieces of timber, steel pipes, and other bulky materials.
Pedestrian stackers
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Pedestrian stackers are manual and electric forklifts that allow for the easy lifting, moving, and stacking of pallets. They are highly manoeuvrable alternatives to a typical forklift, offering a more efficient and controlled way of handling loads in tighter spaces.
They’re ideal for smaller warehouses or facilities with limited space, where a full-sized forklift would be impractical.
Container handlers
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Container handlers are specialist forklifts designed for lifting, moving, and stacking shipping containers in ports, terminals, and logistics yards. They deliver exceptional performance, with models ranging from empty container handlers to fully laden handlers – capable of handling between 10 and 48 tonnes.
With the ability to stack up to 8 containers high, they help maximise storage space. Their advanced controls and cab visibility allow for precise, safe operation.
Multi-directional forklifts
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Multi-directional forklifts are engineered to move in any direction – forwards, backwards, sideways, and diagonally. With wheels that turn 90 degrees and advanced steering systems to switch between modes smoothly, they handle long and bulky loads with ease.
Perfect for environments with limited space, they offer an efficient, space saving solution without compromising on safety or manoeuvrability.
The cost difference between each type
Between each type, even between each model, the cost of a machine is dramatically varied. The choice between electric, LPG, and diesel alone can make a big difference to the price, with electric typically tending to cost the most.
The same applies to each specialised type. Counterbalance forklifts are typically more affordable than larger scale machines such as side loaders – much larger, more advanced machines.
As a rough guide:
| Forklift Type | Starting Price | High End |
| Counterbalance | £8,000 | £50,000+ |
| Reach Trucks | £10,000 | £40,000+ |
| Pallet Trucks | £300 | £10,000+ (for powered) |
| Order Pickers | £8,000 | £35,000+ |
| Rough Terrain Forklifts | £15,000 | £60,000+ |
| Telehandlers | £20,000 | £80,000+ |
| Articulated Forklifts | £20,000 | £60,000+ |
| Side Loader Forklifts | £20,000 | £70,000+ |
| Pedestrian Stackers | £1,000 | £15,000+ |
Buying a refurbished forklift is a great option to consider if you’re on a budget and unable to afford a new model.
Choosing the best forklift type
The best type of forklift all depends on the application you require. Each type has its own strengths and best uses. The model you choose is equally important, with fuel type in particular.
When buying a forklift, you have three fuel options:
- Electric
- LPG
- Diesel
For indoor use, electric forklifts are the best choice. They release zero emissions, keeping air quality clean and putting the safety of your staff first. LPG can be used indoors, though good ventilation is required and all government safety requirements must be followed.
We don’t recommend diesel for indoor use. Diesel engines release significantly more emissions and are considerably noisier. LPG and diesel also carry additional risks such as oil spillages, which is worth considering and a fair argument as for choosing electric.
For outdoor use, all three fuel types are suitable. In rough conditions however, diesel and heavy duty electric models are the strongest performers. Advanced electric models are available capable of matching the power diesel models offer for strong outdoor performance.
To decide on the best forklift for your operation, ask yourself:
- What will the forklift primarily be used for?
- Will it be used indoors, outdoors, or both?
- What weight capacity do I need?
- How narrow are the aisles or spaces it will need to operate in?
- Do I have any site restrictions around emissions or noise?
This will help narrow down the options. You can always consult with experts (for example, Multy Lift) who will be more than happy to advise and match you with the right machine.
For more on choosing the right forklift for your operation, our comprehensive buying guide is also here to help.
Need forklifts? We’re here to help
At Multy Lift, we’ve been proudly supplying businesses across the Midlands and the UK with forklifts for standard and specialist applications for more than 40 years – including counterbalance and reach trucks. Our range includes new and used forklifts from world class brands, available for both sale and hire. Whatever you need, we have high quality forklift trucks to suit every application.
If you would like further information about the warehouse equipment we have on offer, then get in touch with a member of our friendly knowledgeable team today
