Forklifts are categorized into the following types according to the structure:
Standard Trucks: Standard Trucks make up the strong and big units which are normally used in factories. Standard trucks can typically carry weights between 3,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds and their blades can lift loads up to a height of 20 feet.
Reach Truck: The reach truck or narrow aisle lift truck are usually smaller, more maneuverable and runs mostly on electricity. These types of machines are specifically designed for pallet storage. They are capable of carrying cargo up to 40 feet in height. If you desire unloading and lifting weights fast and over long distances, than a reach truck would not be the right type of machine for your application.
Order Selector: Very narrow aisle lift trucks or order selectors could be used to move racked loads that are a lot smaller than pallet size. Order Selectors are unique in that they are capable of raising both the truck operator and the load up to 40 feet in height.
Motorized Pallet Trucks: The motorized pallet truck has been called by many names like: walkies, walkie riders and riders. These units are aptly named due to the fact that the driver is not required to sit in the machine in order to operate it. Instead, he walks along the side of the truck as it moves the load.
Swing Mast Trucks: Swing Mast Trucks are similar in appearance to standard models of trucks. These are machinery with a narrow aisle and have masts that could swing up to 90 degrees, only in one direction.
Turret Trucks: The turret truck has been designed to operate in very narrow aisles. Similar to an Order Selector, they could lift the driver and the load. In addition, these kinds of trucks are capable of swinging their forks 90 degree on each side.
Visit your local forklift dealership to see all of these different models and determine what in particular will be best for your application. If you want to lease before you buy, this is a good option for you so you can check out different models prior to making such a large purchase. Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your forklift dealer and be very truthful about what the company's needs are when you are talking about the facts with a dependable dealer.
There are such a range of models available on the market today, there is definitely a lift truck available to get your tasks done, whatever they are.