What are industrial fork trucks?
Industrial forklifts are just that; forklifts in industrial work environments. There has been a surge in the usage of industrial forklifts in recent years, as more and more industries reap the benefits of these productivity-increasing machines.
This article shall explore the different industrial applications of forklift trucks. Furthermore, it shall cover the different types of industrial forklift trucks.
What is an industrial environment?
An industrial environment is typically one in which goods manufacturing occurs. Examples of an industrial work environment include the following:
- Warehouses
- Construction sites
- Shipping
- Recycling & waste management
- Loading & distribution
- Retailers, supermarkets and superstores (warehouse roles)
- Agricultural environments
What kind of industrial forklifts do different work environments need?
There is a broad range of industrial fork trucks, all designed and manufactured to serve different roles in the workplace. Many of these machines are flexible and boast versatility; forklifts are used across different applications. However, different industries definitely benefit from certain features on specific machines. So, next, we shall explore the different industrial forklifts and discuss which industry they are best suited for.
Counterbalance forklift
The counterbalance forklift is perhaps the most well-known type of industrial fork truck. It is certainly the one you will see the most frequently in industrial environments. The truck has dual forks, allowing for heavy loads to be moved. It is for this reason that it is the most popular type of forklift across industrial applications.
However, this industrial forklift truck is most commonly seen in warehouses due to its combined durability and lifting power.
Reach truck forklift
The reach truck forklift is a smaller model than the previously mentioned counterbalance forklift truck, and operators benefit from this in many ways. Its smaller frame allows it to be more nimble around the workplace, performing well in smaller areas and tighter aisles of a warehouse.
So, this is why the reach truck forklift is the best type of industrial forklift truck for warehouses with high-rise storage or pallet racking.
Construction sites
Firstly, for outdoor construction sites, rough-terrain industrial fork trucks are the optimal choice. Most construction sites opt for a rough-terrain forklift due to its features that tackle off-road conditions.
Additionally, these robust machines come with pneumatic tyres, that allow for a smoother operation across rough terrains. To read more on pneumatic tyres, check out our guide on operating a forklift over dirt and gravel.
Retail/Supermarkets
Retail environments and supermarkets usually require assisted lifting for the transportation of goods across a warehouse. The pallet jack, both manual and electric, is a popular choice for retail environments everywhere.
The simple design is both reliable and easy to use; the pallet jack does not require a licence to operate.
Agricultural environments
For agricultural environments, the most common choice of a forklift is the telehandler. Industrial telehandler forklifts assist with heavy lifting, due to their power. Telehandlers are very flexible, used for on-road and off-road conditions.
Telehandlers are most used in agricultural environments due to their versatility.
Hire an industrial forklift truck with Trucks Direct today!
So, now you’ve read our guide about the uses of forklift trucks across industrial environments, why not hire one with us, Trucks Direct?
We offer industrial forklift truck rentals to suit you and your project. Whatever your budget, rental duration and forklift needs, we are sure to have the right machine for your project.