When it comes to moving heavy loads efficiently and safely, choosing the right kind of forklift is critical. Whether you’re operating in a warehouse, construction site, or logistics centre, selecting the right forklift ensures productivity, reduces maintenance costs, and minimises safety risks.
Being familiar with the different types of forklifts available, their lift capabilities / load capacities, and their ideal applications can all help you make a better decision when you’re looking to hire or buy a forklift in Melbourne.
Forklift Types & Their Uses
Not all forklifts are the same, and depending on your work environment, the type of forklift you choose can significantly impact efficiency and safety.
The wrong forklift won’t just make things harder—it might not work at all, whether it’s struggling with the load, unable to manoeuvre properly, or unsafe for the environment.
Whether you’re working in a warehouse, on a construction site, or handling heavy loads outdoors, matching the forklift to the job keeps everything running smoothly, minimises risks, and helps avoid unnecessary downtime.
1. Counterbalance Forklifts
Best for: Warehouses, retail storage, general material handling.
Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type, featuring a weight at the back to balance heavy loads at the front. They are available in electric, LPG, or diesel models, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
One of the key advantages of counterbalance forklifts is their straightforward operation—they don’t require additional stabilisers or complex load distribution adjustments, allowing operators to drive up to a load, lift it, and transport it with ease.
However, to ensure optimal performance and safety, businesses should carefully match the forklift’s load capacity to their operational needs, considering factors like mast height, attachment usage, and load distribution.
2. Reach Trucks
Best for: High-shelf warehouses, narrow aisles, indoor storage.
Reach trucks are designed for stacking pallets in high racks, maximising vertical storage capacity. What sets them apart from other types of forklifts is their extendable forks and mast, which allow them to reach deep into racking systems without requiring excessive aisle space.
This means businesses can increase their vertical storage capacity without expanding their footprint, making reach trucks a cost-effective choice for operations looking to maximise warehouse efficiency.
3. Pallet Jacks & Walkie Stackers
Best for: Small warehouses, retail stockrooms, lightweight loads.
For businesses that don’t need the power of a full-size forklift, pallet jacks and walkie stackers offer a simple and efficient way to move goods over short distances. Ideal for small warehouses, retail stockrooms, and distribution hubs, these machines are designed to operate in tight spaces where manoeuvrability is key.
- Pallet jacks (manual & electric): Best for quick, low-lift transport, moving pallets across warehouses, loading docks, or retail backrooms with minimal effort.
- Walkie stackers: A step up from pallet jacks, featuring powered lifting mechanisms that allow operators to stack pallets at moderate heights (typically up to 4-5 metres), making them a great alternative to forklifts for light-duty applications.
4. Rough Terrain Forklifts
Best for: Construction sites, outdoor logistics, uneven surfaces.
Designed with heavy-duty tyres and high ground clearance, rough terrain forklifts are built to handle unstable surfaces, making them well-suited for construction and mining applications.
For businesses in Victoria operating in construction, agriculture, mining, and outdoor logistics, rough terrain forklifts can provide the strength, traction, and resilience needed to move heavy loads where other forklifts might fail.
These machines are purpose-built with reinforced frames, high ground clearance, and oversized pneumatic tyres, making them ideal for uneven, loose, or muddy surfaces that would compromise stability on a traditional forklift.
5. Telehandlers
Best for: Agriculture, construction, high-reach applications.
Telehandlers (or telescopic handlers) combine the features of a forklift and a crane, offering longer reach and lifting capacities for challenging environments. With extendable booms that can lift, reach, and position materials with precision, they outperform standard forklifts when dealing with elevated loads, uneven terrain, and complex job sites.
Their telescopic boom extends between 6 and 20 metres, allowing operators to lift and place loads at height or over obstacles with precision. Designed for rough terrain, they feature 4WD, oscillating axles, and all-terrain tyres, ensuring stability on uneven ground. With lifting capacities ranging from 2,500 kg to over 12,000 kg, they handle everything from pallets and bulk materials to scaffolding and heavy machinery.
Multiple attachments, including forks, buckets, winches, and work platforms, make them adaptable to a variety of tasks. Diesel-powered engines provide the torque needed for demanding applications, and modern hydraulic stabilisers improve safety during high-reach lifts. While they excel in construction for moving steel beams and concrete blocks, they are equally valuable in agriculture for tasks like stacking hay bales and transporting equipment.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forklift
1. Lift Capacity
Each forklift has a maximum lift capacity, typically ranging from ~1,400 kg for compact electric models to <25,000 kg for heavy-duty industrial forklifts. Exceeding this limit can lead to mechanical failure, tip-overs, or hydraulic system damage.
Did You Know? 🏗️
A forklift’s rated lift capacity isn’t a single number—it’s calculated based on a 600 mm load centre, which assumes the weight is evenly distributed and positioned correctly on the forks. If the load extends beyond this point, the effective lift capacity drops significantly.
For example, a forklift rated for 2,500 kg at a 600 mm load centre might only handle 1,800 kg if the load centre shifts to 900 mm. This is why load positioning and weight distribution can be just as important as raw lifting power when choosing the right forklift for the job.
Pro tip: Always check the load capacity chart on the data plate—exceeding it doesn’t just put stress on the machine, it can lead to tip-overs, hydraulic failure, and costly repairs.
2. Power Source: Electric, LPG, or Diesel?
- Electric Forklifts: Best for indoor use, as they produce no emissions and operate quietly. However, they require downtime for battery charging.
- LPG Forklifts: A versatile option suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with quick refuelling times.
- Diesel Forklifts: Ideal for outdoor heavy-duty applications, providing more power and durability but emitting exhaust fumes.
3. Lift Height
Consider how high you need to lift your materials. Standard forklifts typically reach up to 6 metres, while high-reach forklifts can extend up to 10 metres or more. Make sure your chosen forklift fits within your workspace’s height restrictions.
4. Work Environment and Terrain
- Smooth warehouse floors: Cushion tyres are ideal for indoor warehouses with smooth concrete floors, offering a tighter turning radius and lower rolling resistance.
- Rough outdoor surfaces: Pneumatic tyres provide better stability, shock absorption, and traction on uneven surfaces.
- Clean environments: Non-marking tyres prevent floor damage in places like food storage and pharmaceutical facilities.
Choosing the wrong tyres can lead to faster wear, reduced stability, and even increased fuel consumption.
Pro tip: Non-marking tyres are a must for food storage and pharmaceutical warehouses, but they wear out faster than standard options—factor that into your maintenance plan!
5. Attachments & Features
Additional attachments can improve efficiency and versatility, such as:
- Side shifters (for lateral movement of loads)
- Fork positioners (adjustable fork width for varying load sizes)
- Rotators (for tipping loads)
- Clamps (for handling non-palletised goods)
Forklift Hire vs. Purchase: What’s Right for Your Business?
Hiring a Forklift
Short-term or long-term forklift hire is a cost-effective option for businesses that don’t require constant use of the equipment. Some of the benefits compared to buying can include:
- Lower upfront costs
- Access to the latest models
- Maintenance and servicing included
Forklift hire in Melbourne are well-suited to seasonal businesses, construction projects, or companies trialling different forklift types before purchasing.
Buying a Forklift
If your business relies heavily on forklifts for daily operations, purchasing may be the better investment. Benefits include:
- Long-term cost savings (no rental fees)
- Full control over maintenance and usage
- Higher return on investment
If you are buying second-hand, note that a used forklift’s lifespan isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in operating hours. Most forklifts are designed to last between 10,000 to 15,000 hours, but how they are actually used makes a huge difference. A diesel forklift working long shifts outdoors will wear out faster than an electric forklift running light loads in a warehouse.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, 2,000 hours of use is roughly equivalent to a year of full-time work.
Safe Forklift Operation
Forklift safety is critical no matter what the task is. Overloading, improper operation, and neglecting maintenance can all lead to serious accidents. To help maintain workplace safety:
- Train all operators on proper forklift handling.
- Conduct routine inspections to check for mechanical issues.
- Follow load capacity guidelines and avoid exceeding weight limits.
- Keep loads low and balanced while moving.
- Use seatbelts and ensure operators remain inside the cab in case of a tip-over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of forklift is best for indoor warehouses?
Electric forklifts are the best choice for indoor use. They’re quiet, produce zero emissions, and have a tight turning radius for navigating narrow aisles. If you need to lift high, a reach truck is a better option, as it’s designed to handle pallet racking efficiently.
Which forklift is best for outdoor work?
If you’re working on rough terrain—think construction sites or uneven yards—you’ll want a rough terrain forklift with pneumatic tyres and four-wheel drive. For general outdoor work on smooth surfaces, an LPG or diesel counterbalance forklift offers the power and efficiency you need.
What type of forklift can handle the heaviest loads?
For truly heavy lifting, you’ll need a high-capacity counterbalance forklift or a telehandler. Standard models handle up to 5,500 kg, but heavy-duty versions go well beyond that—industrial forklifts can lift over 25,000 kg, and telehandlers offer extended reach for lifting at height.
Which forklift is best for tight spaces?
If space is limited, a walkie stacker or a three-wheel electric forklift is your best bet. Walkie stackers are ideal for light loads in stockrooms, while three-wheel electrics have a super-tight turning radius for navigating cramped warehouses.
What’s the difference between a telehandler and a forklift?
A telehandler combines a forklift and a crane, with an extendable boom that lifts loads both vertically and forward. It’s perfect for stacking materials on high platforms or working over obstacles. A standard forklift, on the other hand, lifts straight up and down and is better suited for palletised loads.
How do I know if my forklift can handle my load?
Check the data plate on your forklift—it lists the maximum lift capacity, load centre, and lift height. Keep in mind that if your load isn’t perfectly balanced or extends beyond the standard 600 mm load centre, your actual capacity decreases.
What kind of forklift should I use for loading and unloading trucks?
A counterbalance forklift is the most common choice, as it can drive straight up to a truck bed and lift loads efficiently. If you’re working in a high-volume distribution setting, a pallet jack or reach truck can also help speed up the process.
Can I use an electric forklift outdoors?
Yes, but only in dry conditions and on smooth, even surfaces. Most electric forklifts aren’t built for rough terrain, but some outdoor-rated electric models have sealed components and larger tyres to handle light outdoor use.
What’s the best forklift for long shifts?
Diesel and LPG forklifts run for longer without refuelling, making them better for all-day use in high-demand environments. Electric forklifts have lower running costs but need downtime for charging—unless you opt for a lithium-ion battery, which charges faster and lasts longer.
Forklifts in Melbourne, VIC
Choosing the right forklift depends on your industry, workload, and operational needs. Whether you’re hiring for a one-off project or investing in a long-term solution, Melbourne offers a wide range of forklifts for sale and hire to suit various applications.
For expert advice, forklift hire, or sales, consult your local supplier of Melbourne forklifts to explore the best options for your business needs. Triwest Forklifts is located at Unit 2, 105 Merola Way Campbellfield, VIC 3061. Call us today at 1800 874 937 or click here to email us.
