A counterbalance forklift is a self-propelled industrial vehicle equipped with lifting forks
at the front and a counterweight at the rear. It is the most common and versatile type of forklift.
Its core design principle is to use the counterweight at the rear of the vehicle body to balance
the overturning moment generated by the load at the front, thereby ensuring operational stability.
Counterbalance forklifts are widely used in ports, stations, airports, freight yards, factory
workshops, warehouses, and other locations. They have both loading/unloading and handling
functions and can stack, load, unload, and transport palletized goods over short distances.
The main classification of counterbalanced forklifts:
Based on the power source, which includes internal combustion counterbalanced forklifts
and electric counterbalanced forklifts. Internal combustion counterbalanced forklifts use diesel,
gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas as fuel, featuring strong power and strong adaptability,
suitablefor heavy-load and outdoor harsh environment operations, but with issues such as exhaust
emissions and noise.
Electric counterbalanced forklifts are powered by batteries, characterized by environmental
friendliness, quietness, and low maintenance costs, suitable for places with strict environmental
requirements. In recent years, with the application of lithium battery technology, the range and
charging efficiency of electric forklifts have been significantly improved.
Additionally, by structure type:
They can be divided into four-point forklift and three-point forklift. Four-point forklift have four
wheels, good stability, and strong carrying capacity, and are the most common type in the market.
Three-point forklift are usually used in electric forklift, with two drive wheels at the front and one
steering wheel at the rear. Their turning radius is smaller, making them suitable for operations in
narrow passages.
