Lift trucks are the backbone of material handling in modern warehouses. From unloading trailers to accessing high storage bays, choosing the right type of lift truck is essential for safety, efficiency, and productivity. Whether electric- or engine-powered, each truck is designed with specific functions in mind — and no single model can do it all. If you are looking for lift trucks for sale, here is your guide.
🛠️ What Is a Lift Truck?
A lift truck is any vehicle designed to lift, move, and place materials using forks, platforms, or other attachments. Most are powered by electric batteries or combustion engines and consist of these core components:
- Chassis: The main body that houses the operator and supports lifting mechanisms
- Mast or Lift Mechanism: Raises and lowers loads vertically
- Power Source: Typically lead-acid or lithium-ion battery (indoor) or LPG/diesel (outdoor)
- Tires: Cushion tires for smooth indoor floors, pneumatic tires for rough terrain
Choosing the right lift truck means matching the truck type to your load, aisle width, racking height, and warehouse environment.
Types of Lift Trucks Used in Warehouses – Lift Trucks for Sale
1. Forklifts
Also known as counterbalance trucks, forklifts are the most common type of lift truck. They have forks at the front, counterweight in the back, and are ideal for loading/unloading trailers or transporting pallets across the warehouse. Available in electric (Class I) for indoor use and internal combustion (Class IV/V) for outdoor or mixed environments.
2. Reach Trucks
Reach trucks are designed for narrow aisles and high stacking. Their mast extends forward to “reach” into racking, allowing them to place or retrieve pallets in tight spaces. Typically used in high-density storage environments, they are electric-powered and suitable for smooth warehouse floors.
3. Deep Reach Trucks
Similar to reach trucks but with an extended reach mechanism that allows them to place pallets two-deep into racking. Deep reach trucks maximize storage capacity in selective racking systems while requiring specially trained operators.
4. Orderpickers
Orderpickers are specialized trucks where the operator is lifted along with the platform to retrieve individual items from shelving — ideal for piece-picking in ecommerce or distribution centers. Most orderpickers are electric and designed for narrow aisles and wire-guided travel.
5. Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks
VNA trucks, such as turret trucks and articulated forklifts, operate in aisles as narrow as 5.5 feet. They allow for maximum cube utilization and are commonly used in automated or high-density warehouse systems. Some rotate forks without turning the chassis, boosting space efficiency.
6. Pallet Jacks
Pallet jacks, or pallet trucks, are used to move pallets at ground level. They come in manual and powered (electric) versions and are perfect for loading docks, retail backrooms, and short-distance transport. While limited in lift height, they’re vital for last-mile pallet handling.
7. Pallet Stackers
Stackers bridge the gap between pallet jacks and full forklifts. They allow you to lift loads several feet off the ground without the bulk of a traditional forklift. Ideal for smaller warehouses, mezzanines, and low-volume storage areas.
8. Hand Trucks
Hand trucks are manually operated carts used for moving boxes, kegs, or smaller loads. While not motorized, they are critical for handling small parcel movement and ergonomically transferring goods at the individual level.
Download Lift Truck Comparison Chart
Need a quick reference to compare lift truck types, aisle widths, power sources, and best use cases?
Why You Need Multiple Lift Truck Types
No warehouse runs efficiently with just one type of lift truck. Different trucks serve different purposes — from vertical stacking to horizontal transport, from tight-aisle access to outdoor rugged handling. Choosing the right combination reduces damage, increases throughput, and improves operator safety.
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?
Whether you’re equipping a new warehouse or rethinking your fleet, we can help. Let us guide you to the lift trucks that match your racking, floor plan, and workload.