Types of Forklifts

Jeremy Sacco
BuyerZone.com Editorial Staff

Choosing a forklift for a specialized application can be difficult if you're not familiar with the basic types. We've put together these articles to introduce you to some of the most common forklift subcategories. For a more complete look at lift trucks, read our Forklift Buyer's Guide.

There are two basic types of forklifts to choose from:

Electric Forklifts — For indoor use and the lowest total operating costs, electric forklifts are the best choice for heavy lifting.

Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts — For outdoor use and ease of refueling, IC forklifts are the way to go.

For certain applications, you may want to investigate one of these specialized forklifts, as well:

Narrow Aisle Forklifts — When space is an issue, narrow aisle forklifts are available to work in spaces as small as 6' wide.

 

Rough Terrain Forklifts — Outdoors over uneven ground, rough terrain forklifts provide the power to get the job done.