What Type of Forklift Should I Rent? A Complete Guide To Choosing The Best Option For You

What type of Forklift Should I rent? This is a question that any warehouse or project manager might find themselves asking before making the call. Rightfully so, renting a forklift is an important decision for any business operation where heavy materials need to be handled; moved, placed, or retrieved.

Whether you’re managing a warehouse, a construction or renovation site, a factory, or even a farm, the right type of forklift can drastically improve your efficiency, productivity, and safety. But with the wide variety of forklifts available to rent, how do you choose the right one?

In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of forklifts there are, compare their key features, and provide helpful insights into where and when each one is most suitable to be used. Whether you’re looking for a forklift to use indoors, outdoors, or even specialized tasks, this guide will leave you prepared and fully informed to make a confident decision. 

Understanding your needs

Before we start to explore the types of forklifts and their features, consider the nature of your work and landscape, including these factors:

• Load Capacity: What’s the maximum weight that you will need to lift and transport? 
• Height: Do you need to access high shelves, or is your reach primarily on low-levels?
• Space Constraints: Are you working in a tight-space warehouse? Or at a site with plenty of space to move around?
• Power Source: Will your forklift be used indoors or outdoors? Will fume emissions from the forklift be an issue for you?
• Terrain: Will the forklift be used on smooth floors, rough terrain, or uneven surfaces?

Write down your answers to all of these questions and with those noted, let’s move on to the types of forklifts available and choose which one is the perfect fit for your needs.

Types of Forklifts and Their Uses

Types according to Power-type:

Forklifts can have different power sources for being operated. Differently powered forklifts can have different implications and uses.

Following are the most common categories that forklifts are divided in, based on their power source:

1. Diesel Forklift:

Diesel forklifts are powered by diesel fuel, and are renowned for their power and efficiency in handling heavy loads. These forklifts are equipped with a diesel engine, providing them with the necessary force and energy to handle and move large weights over long distances. Diesel-powered forklifts are generally more suitable for outdoor environments, where distance is long and surfaces are rough. They can easily handle material in construction sites, warehouses with large yard spaces, and industrial areas. Diesel engines are generally known for their fuel consumption efficiency, allowing for longer work shifts without the need for repowering. Most diesel forklifts are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, such as dirt, rain, and rough terrains.

Considerations:

• Diesel engines are generally not suitable for indoor use without proper ventilation as they produce exhaust emissions.
• Diesel-powered forklifts tend to be loud, which may be disruptive in closed spaces or certain work environments.
• Diesel powered forklifts need to be operated within prescribed regulations for diesel engines.

(Read more: Guide by Roadsky.com)

2.Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts are powered by electrically rechargeable batteries, making them an environmentally friendly alternative compared to diesel models. Electric forklifts don’t produce exhaust fumes, making them perfect for use in indoor facilities, such as warehouses, manufacturing units, retail stores, and supermarkets. Their quiet operation, zero exhaust emissions, and low maintenance requirements make electric forklifts an ideal option for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and increase environmental sustainability. Electric forklifts also have lower operating costs, as they require minimal maintenance and no refueling. 

Considerations:

• Electric forklifts require recharging often, which can limit its operational hours unless additional batteries are available for quick swapping.
• Electric forklifts do not have the same force or power that diesel forklifts do, so they may struggle with handling heavy weights that diesel forklifts can manage.
• Electric forklifts require a battery-charging setup to keep operating, which makes them impractical for use outdoors where no electric outlets are available. 

(Read More: Article by Toyota Material Handling Solutions)

3. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Forklifts

Standing between diesel and electric forklifts are LPG forklifts, running on liquefied petroleum gas, which is stored in a pressurized tank within the forklifts, making them a popular choice for businesses that need a versatile forklift for both indoor and outdoor operations. These forklifts are commonly used in distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities where a clean and efficient power source is needed without sacrificing performance. Compared to diesel forklifts, LPG forklifts produce fewer emissions, making them more suitable for indoor environments or places with limited ventilation. Additionally, they run quieter than diesel forklifts, improving the work environment. They can be used in semi-enclosed and outdoor settings, proving to be great for warehouses or manufacturing units that have varying operational requirements.

Considerations:

• LPG tends to be less readily available than other fuel types such as diesel, needing a properly set supply of gas tanks.
• While LPG prices vary country to country, within Saudi Arabia it stands at a higher price than diesel, and although it may be cheaper in other regions, it does have the highest the highest maintenance costs of all three power types.

(Read more: Post By Hyworthforklifts.com)

These are the three different types of forklifts based on their power-types. Now based on the factors you jotted down earlier, you may pick one of the three that best suits your needs, budget, and nature of work.

(Read more: https: Comparison by Liftequipt.com)

Types of Forklifts According to Function and Design

Forklifts can also be categorized based on their built and functions, different types of forklifts are best for different uses. The most commonly used forklift types by built-difference are discussed below.

1. Counterbalance Forklift

One of the most commonly known forklift is the counterbalance forklift, used in both warehouses and industrial settings. It consists of the standard two forks extending from the front mast, balanced by a weight at the rear end of the vehicle, allowing the forks to lift weight while maintaining balance without any external support. These are best used for:

• Standard wide warehouses or outdoor sites.
• Transporting medium to heavy loads (1.4 tonne – 16 tonne)
• Open or wide spaces with clear aisles

Counterbalance forklifts are larger and more powerful than other models like reach trucks or pallet jacks, meaning they can lift great weights and perform better, but can be less maneuverable in extremely tight spaces. These come in both electric and diesel versions, and you should make the choice between these two depending on your setting. An electric counterbalance is more suited for a wide-space indoor warehouse while a diesel counterbalance is better used outdoors, as it will emit fumes. 

Considerations: 

• Should be used in places where the aisle width allows for turning and maneuvering easily, not in tight spaces with less freedom to move. 
• Is best for handling heavy weights, not as efficient for light-weight tasks.

2. Reach (Truck) Forklift

A reach forklift (or reach truck) is designed for operating in narrow aisles and high-shelf warehouses. Its high extended mast allows it to reach high storage shelves without needing much space, making it ideal for stacking and retrieving goods from high racks. The high mast, coupled with its compact body, makes it ideal for:

• Maneuvering in narrow warehouse aisles
• Storing or retrieving goods from high shelves
• Indoor use with light weights (1.2 tonne – 2.5 tonne)

While reach trucks, or reach forklifts are more compact than a counterbalance (can move easily in tight spaces) and has a higher mast than most forklifts (can reach high levels), it should be noted that they do not hold much weight, and have smaller tires, limiting their use to low-weight products, usually within just warehouses.

Considerations:

• Not very versatile for using outdoors; primarily designed for smooth indoor surfaces.
• Is best for handling light weights to great heights. 

3.  Rough Terrain/ Heavy Duty Forklift

Rough terrain forklifts are made specifically for outdoor use, where the surface (terrain) might be uneven, gravelly, or sandy soft. These forklifts are based on large pneumatic (gas filled) tires that offer excellent stability and traction on rough surfaces, making them ideal for outdoor material handling on construction sites, farms, or the likes of it. To sum up, these are best for: 

• Moving materials over uneven or soft ground
• Being used in construction, agriculture, or horticulture. 

Unlike indoor forklifts such as reach trucks, rough terrain forklifts have larger tires and higher clearance, allowing them to navigate unpaved surfaces with ease. They are not ideal for smooth floors, the way electric forklifts or counterbalance forklifts are.

Considerations:

• Not suitable for indoor use due to their large size and large turning radii.
• Best for rough outdoor surfaces and conditions.

4. Pallet Jack (Manual or Electric)

The most basic form a forklift is a Pallet jack. Pallet jacks are capable of moving material pallets in tight spaces. These are designed in two variations; Manual pallet jacks (operated manually) and Powered pallet jacks (electrically powered). Pallet jacks are highly maneuverable but have limited lifting capacity and height. They are ideal for retail environments or smaller warehouse facilities, as a low-cost material handling option. These simple and easy-to-use forklifts are ideal for operators without extensive forklift training, and perfect for light-duty tasks on a budget.

Considerations:

Limited in lifting capacity and not suitable for large, heavy loads.
Cannot reach heights like other types of forklifts.

What Type Of Forklift Should I Rent – Answered

By this part, you may have a good idea about which type of forklift you need to rent for your operations. From heavy-duty construction tasks to indoor warehouse operations, there’s a forklift for every job. By considering factors such as load capacity, lift height, space constraints, and terrain type, its easy to confidently select the best forklift for any task.

If you’re still unsure about which forklift type best suits your operation, you can schedule a free consultation with the heavy equipment experts at Glorek, and we’ll help you find the forklift you need. Additionally, anywhere across KSA, whether you need the high power of a diesel forklift, the sustainability of an electric forklift, or the durability of a LPG forklift, Glorek has you covered with our extensive forklift rental fleet.