Lift trucks are categorized into the following types according to the structure:
Standard Trucks: The standard lift truck is a rugged and durable model and the most commonly used forklift in factories. Standard trucks can typically lift weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades can carry loads as high as 20 feet.
Reach Truck: The reach truck or narrow aisle lift truck are generally smaller, more maneuverable and runs mostly on electricity. These types of machines are particularly designed for pallet storage. They can lift cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you want unloading and raising weights fast and over long distances, than a reach truck would not be the best kind of machinery for your application.
Order Selector: Order Selectors are very narrow aisle trucks which are utilized to transport racked loads that are smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are unique in that they are capable of lifting both the load and the truck operator as high as 40 feet.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been called by a lot of names including: walkie riders, riders, and walkies. These units are appropriately named due to the fact that the operator is not required to sit inside of the vehicle to be able to operate it. Instead, the driver walks beside the truck as it moves the cargo.
Swing Mast Trucks: The swing mast truck to regular models 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 raise the cargo as well as the driver. Moreover, these kinds of trucks are capable of swinging their forks 90 degree on each side.
Visit your local lift truck dealership to see all of these different models and determine what in particular will be right for your application. If you want to lease before you buy, this is a really good option for you to be able to try out different units before making such a huge purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your lift truck dealer and be very honest about what the needs of company are when you are discussing the facts with a reliable dealer.
These days, there is such a huge array of forklift units available, that it does not matter where you are, you would be able to find the best forklift for your business.