Forklifts are essential equipment in a variety of industries, including warehousing, construction, manufacturing, etc. There are two types of forklifts: Extended Boom Forklift and Standard Forklift, each of which serves a different purpose.
The most obvious difference is in its design. An Telescopic Reach Forklift is a type of forklift with a telescoping boom that reaches higher and further than the standard forks of a traditional forklift. This design allows operators to lift and move loads in places that are inaccessible with a standard forklift.
Standard forklifts are usually short and have a fixed mast, limiting their reach compared to extended boom forklifts. They are designed for low-altitude work and are often used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and retail facilities.
Standard forklifts generally have a lifting capacity of 3,000 to 15,000 pounds, with most models ideal for lifting loads up to 10 to 12 feet in height. They are effective for displaying and transporting goods vertically, but are limited in their reach when it comes to horizontal distance.
Boom Forklifts have a lifting mechanism that differs from the mast design of a standard forklift. The boom can be extended horizontally, allowing operators to handle loads from a safe distance or lift loads over obstacles. Extended boom forklifts have a lifting capacity of up to 12,000 to 30,000 pounds, depending on the model, and a reach that can reach more than 30 feet.
Reach Forklift often comes with a variety of attachments that make it even more versatile. For example, some models can be equipped with an aerial work platform, bucket, or bale clamp to meet specific needs. This adaptability allows operators to tackle a variety of tasks with one piece of equipment.
Standard forklifts also support attachments, but the options are usually more limited. Common attachments for standard forklifts include side shifters, fork positioners, and fork extensions, which are designed to improve efficiency and safety in certain lifting and handling scenarios.
Ideal for stacking pallets, moving inventory, and performing tasks in the aisles of retail spaces.
Ideal for loading trucks with goods and unloading materials from delivery vehicles. Efficiently handle a wide range of standard materials in a manufacturing or storage facility.
Essential for lifting and placing heavy materials such as steel beams, trusses, and HVAC units at heights or distances that standard forklifts cannot reach.
Used for moving bales of hay, feed, or equipment in farm and rural environments, especially when the ground is uneven.
For a variety of outdoor tasks in landscaping, road maintenance, and utility work where access and reach are critical.
Depending on the task and environment, telehandlers and standard forklifts both offer their own advantages. Extended Forklifts are highly adaptable and excel in outdoor, rough-terrain applications where accessibility and versatility are key. Meanwhile, standard forklifts are ideal for indoor environments, offering stability, maneuverability and reliable lifting capabilities. Choosing the right equipment can help businesses optimize their operations and increase productivity.
