The basic structure of the categorization of lift trucks comprise the following:
Standard Trucks: Standard Trucks make up the strong and huge units that are normally used inside factories. Standard trucks could typically lift weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades could carry loads as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: Reach Trucks are a different name for narrow-aisle lift trucks. Normally, these machines run on electricity. These kinds of equipment are particularly made for pallet storage. They can carry cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you want lifting and unloading weights quickly and over long distances, than a reach truck will not be the best alternative for your needs.
Order Selector: Very narrow aisle lift trucks or order selectors can be utilized to move racked loads which are much smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are unique in that they are capable of lifting both the truck operator and the cargo as high as 40 feet.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been referred to by a lot of names like: riders, walkies and walkie riders. These models are appropriately named because of the fact that the driver is not required to sit in the vehicle to be able to operate it. Instead, the operator walks along the side of the truck as it moves the load.
Swing Mast Trucks: Swing Mast Trucks are similar in appearance to standard units of trucks. These are machines with a narrow aisle and have masts which could swing up to 90 degrees, just in one direction.
Turret Trucks: The turret truck has been designed to operate in very narrow aisles. Like an Order Selector, they can lift the cargo and the operator. Moreover, these types of trucks could swing their forks 90 degree on each side.
Visit your local forklift dealership to see all of these different units and determine what in particular will be right for your application. If you would like to lease before you buy, this is a very good option for you so you could try out different models prior to making such a large purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions for your lift truck dealer and be honest regarding what the company's needs are when you are talking about the facts with a reliable dealer.
These days, there is such a huge variety of forklift units available, that it does not matter where you are, you will be able to find the best lift truck for your business.