Types of forklifts: A complete guide to forklift types and uses 

Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, are some of the most essential machines in material handling. From warehouses to construction sites, they provide the lifting power needed to move, stack, and transport heavy loads safely and efficiently. 

But not all forklifts are the same. There are many different types of forklifts, each designed for specific applications. Whether you’re working in a narrow warehouse aisle, a rough construction site, or a lumber yard with oversized materials, choosing the right machine makes a big difference in productivity and safety. 

Across Ritchie Bros. auctions, forklifts of every type continue to draw strong interest — from compact pallet jacks to high-capacity construction forklifts. This guide breaks down the main forklift types, highlights their uses, and explains what makes each one unique. 

What is a forklift (lift truck)? 

A forklift, sometimes referred to as a lift truck, is an industrial vehicle designed to lift, move, and stack materials over short distances. 

Most forklifts share a few core components: 

• Mast: the vertical assembly that raises and lowers the load. 
• Forks: the prongs that slide under pallets or loads. 
• Counterweight: balances the load being lifted. 
• Power source: electric, propane, diesel, or gasoline engines. 

Forklifts are versatile, but not interchangeable — the types of forklift trucks vary widely in size, lift capacity, reach, and terrain capability. 

Main types of forklifts 

Below are the most common forklift types you’ll encounter in warehouses, construction, and industrial settings. 

Warehouse Forklifts 

This is the classic forklift type most people picture — a counterbalance design used primarily indoors. Warehouse forklifts are compact, maneuverable, and powered by either electric batteries or propane. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 3,000–5,000 lbs 
• Lift height: up to 20 ft 
• Power source: electric or propane 

Best for: 

• Warehouses and distribution centers 
• Moving pallets and stacking loads 
• Operating in tight indoor spaces 

Reach forklifts (high reach forklifts) 

Reach trucks are designed for high stacking in warehouse racking systems. Unlike standard forklifts, they extend their forks forward, allowing operators to “reach” into racks without moving the entire machine. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 2,500–5,500 lbs 
• Lift height: up to 40 ft 
• Power source: electric 

Best for: 

• High-bay warehouses 
• Narrow aisle storage 
• Indoor use only (smooth floors) 

The term “high reach forklift” is often used interchangeably with reach truck, highlighting its ability to lift loads far above standard warehouse forklifts. 

Pallet jacks and hand fork trucks 

Pallet jacks are the simplest type of forklift, designed for moving palletized loads short distances. They come in manual (hand fork truck) or electric-powered versions. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: up to 5,500 lbs (manual) 
• Lift height: 3–7 inches (basic ground clearance) 

Best for: 

• Loading docks and warehouses 
• Moving pallets without heavy lifting equipment 
• Quick, cost-effective handling of goods 

Order pickers 

Order pickers are specialized forklifts designed for retrieving individual items from warehouse racking. Instead of lifting only the forks, order pickers lift the operator platform, allowing workers to pick products directly from shelves. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 1,500–3,000 lbs 
• Lift height: up to 30 ft 
• Power source: electric 

Best for: 

• E-commerce warehouses 
• Facilities with high inventory turnover 
• Piece-picking instead of pallet loads 

Side loader forklifts 

Side loaders are designed for long and bulky loads like lumber, steel pipes, and sheet materials. Instead of lifting from the front, they load from the side, which makes navigating narrow aisles with long materials much easier. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 5,000–10,000 lbs 
• Lift height: 10–30 ft 
• Power source: electric, propane, or diesel 

Best for: 

• Lumber yards 
• Steel fabrication shops 
• Warehouses handling oversized loads 

Rough terrain forklifts (construction forklifts) 

Sometimes called construction forklifts, these machines are built for outdoor work. Equipped with large pneumatic tires and higher ground clearance, they can handle rough or uneven terrain where warehouse forklifts would struggle. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 6,000–12,000 lbs 
• Lift height: up to 25 ft 
• Power source: diesel or propane 

Best for: 

• Construction sites 
• Lumber yards 
• Outdoor material handling 

Telescopic forklifts (Telehandlers) 

A cross between a forklift and a crane, telehandlers feature a telescoping boom that extends forward and upward. This gives them exceptional reach and versatility on construction and agricultural sites. 

Typical specs: 

• Lift capacity: 5,000–12,000 lbs 
• Lift height: up to 55 ft 
• Power source: diesel 

Best for: 

• Agriculture (moving hay bales, feed, and seed) 
• Construction (placing loads at height) 
• Industrial job sites needing extended reach 

Other specialized forklifts 

In addition to the main categories above, there are different kinds of forklifts designed for specific applications: 

• Narrow Aisle Forklifts: Built for ultra-tight warehouse spaces. 
• Industrial Forklifts (Large Capacity): Can lift loads over 30,000 lbs. 
• Articulated Forklifts: Pivot in the middle for maneuvering through small spaces. 

These specialized machines may not be as common but are critical in industries with unique requirements. 

Choosing the right forklift 

With so many different types of forklifts available, selecting the right one depends on your specific application. 

Key factors to consider: 

• Load capacity: How much weight do you need to move? 
• Lift height: Do you need standard lift or high reach? 
• Work environment: Indoor vs outdoor, smooth floors vs rough terrain. 
• Power source: Electric for indoor use, diesel/propane for outdoor heavy-duty work. 
• Attachments: Consider clamps, rotators, and forks designed for your materials. 

Matching the right forklift to the job improves productivity, reduces equipment wear, and keeps operations safe. 

Forklift safety considerations 

Regardless of type, forklifts require trained operators and consistent maintenance. Safety should always come first: 

• Operators must be certified under OSHA or local regulations. 
• Loads should never exceed rated capacity. 

See also

CAT excavator size guide: Choosing the right machine