What is an Industrial Forklift?

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You’ve probably seen forklifts in action before, swiftly hoisting pallets stacked high with goods before transporting them around warehouses and construction sites. But did you know not all forklifts are made equal?

There’s a whole category purpose-built for intensive commercial use – industrial forklift trucks. These hardcore lift machines easily manipulate multi-tonne loads that would leave ordinary forklifts buckling under the pressure.

Keep reading as we lift the lid on what sets industrial forklifts apart and why they’re an indispensable asset for companies moving big volumes day in, day out.

Defining Industrial Forklift Trucks

Industrial forklifts earned their classification and name because they’re engineered for intensive usage scenarios in commercial environments, as opposed to lighter-duty trucks suited for residential lifting tasks.

Key characteristics of full-scale industrial forklift models include:

Durable Steel Mast, Carriage and Chassis Construction 

Heavy-gauge steel forms a robust base structure and mast able to endure knocks, drops and abusive operating conditions beyond what consumer-grade lifts can handle.

Lift Capacities Exceeding 1 Tonne 

Industrial lifts commonly handle EU pallets weighing up to 1.2 tonnes fully loaded, which is why their rated working loads (RWL) range from 1 tonne to 5 tonnes. This exceeds standard lifts that can handle a few hundred kilograms only.

Powerful Drivetrains 

Industrial electric, diesel or gas engines produce abundant torque for responsive lifting and travelling, accelerating rapidly even with multi-tonne loads.

Operator Protection 

Features like overhead guard rails, seat belts, stabilisers and an emergency power cutoff protect the operator in dangerous worksite conditions an ordinary lift wouldn’t withstand.

Customisable Configurations

With the ability to install attachments like drum lifters, an industrial forklift adapts to shifting workplace requirements that residential lifts cannot accommodate.

While ordinary forklifts may shift lighter cargo short distances sporadically, industrial variants swiftly lift, stack and transport full 1-5 tonne loads repetitively in high-volume environments to maximise workflow efficiency.

What Are the Common Industrial Forklift Applications?

The capabilities to manipulate high tonnages render industrial forklift trucks ideal for these heavy-duty materials handling scenarios:

  • Distribution centres – Shifting and stacking pallets between loading bays, storage aisles and trucks.
  • Manufacturing – Transporting raw materials and finished goods between different processes. 
  • Construction – Distributing building supplies, cement bags, steel beams and more around dynamic, uneven job sites.
  • Landscaping – Moving and lifting trees, paving stones, soil bags and aggregates requiring high lift capacities.  
  • Mining – Transferring excavated raw ores and finished materials around processing areas over broken terrain.
  • Agriculture – Lifting and stacking hay bales, animal feed bags, produce crates and farming equipment.

Essentially, any commercial sector handling bulky 1 tonne goods requiring efficient transport and inventory stacking or retrieval necessitates industrial-grade forklifts purpose-built for maximum uptime under intensive fleet usage.

Popular Industrial Forklift Types

While they share robust traits optimised for heavy industrial usage, various forklift designs cater to specific lifting and manoeuvring requirements:

Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance is the most prevalent industrial lift category relied upon worldwide. As the name suggests, weighty rear components offset front loads up to 5 tonnes, keeping the forklift stable via the counterbalancing effect.

Models come with cushion or pneumatic tyres and excel at straightforward transport and pallet manipulation.

Reach Trucks

Designed for narrow aisle environments down to 2.1m, reach trucks have forward-tilting masts that let them make tighter turns around racks versus wider counterbalance models. Telescoping forks, with a capacity range up to 2.5 tonnes, precisely position pallets without extending the truck.

All-Terrain Forklifts  

While most forklifts thrive in the smooth confines of warehouses, all-terrain models are built for the rough and tumble. These machines conquer uneven surfaces, muddy terrain and steep inclines, making them ideal for construction sites, landscaping projects and outdoor material handling. This is further enhanced with powerful engines, knobby tires and superior ground clearance.

Order Pickers 

Also called high lift pallet trucks, order pickers lift operators up to 8m alongside warehouse racks to conveniently retrieve items. The stationary bases provide stability without requiring counterbalances. They allow picking at height without the need for a full forklift.

With these diverse industrial forklift types spanning unique dimensions, lift arrangements and terrain capabilities, you can find the right forklift for any handling workflows and site layouts.

Key Considerations When Purchasing Industrial Forklifts

Alongside selecting appropriate physical truck configurations, also weigh up these purchasing factors:

  • Intended application parameters – Define the types of loads, lifting heights, manoeuvring constraints, operating hours and usage intensity needed.
  • Buy vs rentPurchasing forklifts acquires a long-term asset but requires major upfront capital expenditure. Rentals provide flexibility for fluctuating needs and lower commitment.
  • Ergonomics – Prioritise models with suspensions, adjustable seating and low vibration and noise to minimise operator fatigue.
  • Power source – Electric forklifts offer zero emissions for indoor use but have limited runtime per charge. Diesel provides unlimited use time for outdoor projects, while gas offers a compromise.
  • Safety and compliance – Ensure your forklifts meet all applicable health and safety regulations. Vet maintenance logs and critically inspect second-hand purchases.
  • Operator training requirements – Legally mandated licences apply. Factor in driver training timelines and any multilingual needs if operating teams aren’t native English speakers.

Trust TAG Forklift Trucks as Your Industrial Lift Partner

TAG Forklift Trucks offers the UK’s largest independent fleet and expert guidance whether you want to rent or purchase. Our team supports leading brands, including Linde, Hyundai, Aisle Master and Combilift forklifts tailored to demanding industrial specifications.

Ready to implement a robust, future-proof industrial forklift fleet? Get in touch today on 0161 848 0555 for advice from our specialists or request a quote using our online contact form.