Is a Counterbalance Forklift a Good Fit for My Warehouse?

Orange counterbalance truck sitting in a large, open warehouse

A counterbalance forklift is the primary tool of countless warehouses across the globe. In fact, you’ve probably seen more of these machines than you can count. That’s because a counterbalance forklift, when used correctly, increases an operation’s productivity and efficiency.

Choosing the right warehouse forklift is critical to your business’s success. After all, there are many different types of material handling equipment. Not sure exactly what you’re looking for?

Industrial Forklift Truck offers tons of free information to help you make a decision. If you need a warehouse forklift for your operation, we’re here to make sure you find the right fit.

Find out how a counterbalance forklift can benefit your operation. Learn more about both stand-up and sit-down counterbalance forklift options. Then, browse our huge inventory of equipment.

Get a counterbalance lift truck that fits your needs and budget today.

What is a Counterbalance Forklift?

A counterbalance forklift is a material handling machine with a counterweight located at the back. This weight is typically cast-iron, or a battery if the machine is electric, and is used to balance out the weight of the load at the front.

A counterbalance lift truck is the most common forklift type. Almost every indoor facility uses this equipment for one thing or another. The image an average person sees when they think of a “forklift” is a counterbalance forklift.

A sit-down counterbalance forklift is the most standard model. However, stand-up options are also available. Learn more about the different types of counterbalance lift trucks below.

What Type of Warehouse Forklift is Right for You?

There are two main types of warehouse forklifts: stand-up and sit-down. A sit-down counterbalance forklift is typically used to move palletized loads. This equipment is designed for warehouses with aisles that are at least 10 to 12 feet wide.

A sit-down forklift can have either three or four wheels. Three-wheeled forklifts, also known as piggyback forklifts, are easily transportable. These sit-down forklifts can also turn their back wheel to help maneuver oddly-shaped loads. If your warehouse is large and open, a sit-down forklift will also offer increased operator comfort and speed.

In contrast, a stand-up warehouse forklift is best suited for crowded docks and smaller aisles. It is also convenient for frequent on and off movement. A stand-up counterbalance truck has a shorter head-length, making it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.

Keep in mind that a counterbalance truck is not a good fit for all warehouse operations. For instance, some applications require aerial lifts like scissor lifts or electric boom lifts.

To determine the right warehouse forklift for your operation, consider your typical load capacity and shelving height. Think about the width of your aisles and available storage space. Before you purchase a counterbalance forklift, be sure to compare your options with Industrial Forklift Truck.

Operator using a sit-down forklift to store pallets in a warehouse

How to Find the Best Price on a Counterbalance Truck

With so many options available, it can be hard to choose a counterbalance lift truck for your business. For starters, what’s a good price? After all, a standard counterbalance truck can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000. That’s a huge range.

The only way to find the best price is to review your options. Compare pricing in one place to find the best deal on a counterbalance lift truck with Industrial Forklift Truck.

Industrial Forklift Truck is a free online comparison tool designed to help you compare your options. We partner with trusted dealers to provide a huge inventory of forklifts from top brands.

Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll match you with equipment. You’ll receive pricing and information on each match. Find the best counterbalance truck for your warehouse in minutes.

Whether you need a stand-up or sit-down counterbalance forklift, we have you covered. Get started with Industrial Forklift Truck today.

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