by Adam Gavrun, on Jul 18, 2025 10:33:11 AM
With so many forklift types on the market, it can feel overwhelming, almost like having infinite options. That can be just as paralyzing as having none.
With all the different types of forklifts on the market, it can feel like there are just too many to choose from. Don’t let decision paralysis stop you from finding the best forklift for your operation. Instead, use this handy guide to help narrow down your options to a manageable number and ultimately toward the best choice for your facility.
Read on to learn how to start shopping around for forklifts and finding the right one for you.
Types of Forklifts
Although people think of forklifts as one thing, there are seven forklift classifications.
Class I: Electric Motor Riders
This class encompasses what most people associate with electric forklifts.
These are your standard electric forklifts:
- 3-wheel electric forklifts
- Sit-down electric forklifts
- Stand-up rider forklifts
- 36V, 48V, and 80V electric pneumatic forklifts
Consequently, Class I is a highly versatile classification.
Forklifts in this category can lift between 3,000 and 40,000 pounds and feature 36V, 48V, and 80V electrical systems. Because they are battery-powered, they are extremely quiet and produce zero emissions. This makes them a favorite for indoor and outdoor applications, such as unloading tractor-trailers and pallet handling.
A wide range of industries find that Class I forklifts are ideally suited for their applications.
Class II: Narrow Aisle
Class II forklifts are perfect for narrow aisles and tight spaces.
For operations that want to maximize their storage space, narrow aisles are a common solution. This forklift class focuses on working within that need. As a result, they feature high maneuverability and take up less space. Examples of these forklifts include:
Narrow aisle forklifts are ideal for organizations where space comes at a premium.
Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks/Stackers/Tow Tractors
Class III includes electric models that are not considered traditional electric forklifts.
This category is home to electric pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors. These models excel at towing and stacking pallets. Many organizations use them to unload deliveries and move loads to staging areas for other forklifts to handle.
This class is also ideal for material handling situations that don’t require the power of a full-sized forklift.
Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Cushion Tire
Class IV includes your standard indoor, sit-down forklifts.
These models derive their power from an internal combustion engine (IC), which runs on diesel or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Their tires are not air-filled, making them puncture-proof. As a result, they offer a comfortable ride on smooth flooring. Toyota’s models range in lifting capacity from 3,000 to 100,000 lbs. Examples of this class include:
- Core IC cushion forklifts
- Box car special forklifts
- Paper roll special forklifts
- High-capacity cushion forklifts
Class IV is a popular choice for indoor warehousing.
Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Pneumatic Tire
Class V are outdoor, sit-down forklifts.
They are similar to Class IV in many regards, but are primarily used outside. They feature air-inflated or solid pneumatic tires for more rugged terrain and are highly durable. Consequently, they are frequently used by lumber yards and construction sites. Class V forklifts can range in lifting capacity from 3,000 to 125,000 lbs. Examples of this class include:
- Core IC pneumatic forklifts
- High-capacity IC pneumatic forklifts
- Reach stacker container handler forklifts
- High-capacity marina/boat forklifts
Where you require strength and durability in an outdoor setting, Class V is tough to beat.
Class VI: Electric/IC Engine Tow Tractors
That’s right; tow tractors fall into two categories.
Class VI tow tractors tend to be larger than Class III and can be either electric or IC. They focus on towing loads rather than lifting. This makes them popular choices for airports and manufacturing assembly areas. Some Toyota models can tow up to 50,000 lbs while retaining an extremely tight turning radius, making them highly maneuverable.
This class is ideal for organizations that need to transport large loads over long distances.
Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Class VII forklifts work in the most rugged environments.
These models feature large, tractor-style tires for off-road applications and are almost exclusively powered by IC diesel engines. They handle terrain that other outdoor forklifts cannot. This makes them an excellent choice for construction sites or other unpaved applications.
Many operations do not require rough terrain forklifts, but when you do, there is only one class that meets that need.
What Size Forklift Do I Need?
There are a lot of forklift classifications, but which one is right for you?
When selecting the best forklift for your application, consider several key factors. The following information will help you determine what your needs are and which forklifts can meet them. Armed with this information, you’ll be prepared to start shopping around for the best forklift for your business.
Let’s get started!
What You Need To Know
First, you’ll need to come armed with the answers to a few basic questions.
These include:
- Will your forklift work indoors, outdoors, or both?
- What is the weight of your typical load?
- How high do you need to lift loads?
- How wide are your aisles?
- How many work hours will you put on your forklift each day and each week?
- Who will maintain the forklift once you have it?
With these questions answered, you’re ready to start looking at forklifts.
Deciphering Forklift Capacity
Forklift capacity is the maximum operating lift of a particular forklift.
Forklift specifications are on your forklift’s dataplate, and list these maximums based on a standardized load center. The load center is the horizontal distance between the vertical face of the forks and the load’s center of gravity. For most forklifts, the standard load center is 24 inches.
It’s important to understand that not all loads have a 24-inch load center.
Determine the load center for your typical loads to see if it is shorter or longer than the average. This will affect the forklift’s actual lifting capacity. Longer load centers will reduce the functional maximum.
Knowing this information will help you calculate what size forklift you actually require.
Forklift Dimensions and Lift Height
Beyond lifting capacity, you must consider the forklift’s actual dimensions and lifting height.
Ensure that whatever forklift you choose has ample room to maneuver within your facility and aisles. Insufficient space will result in collisions and potentially dangerous accidents. Forklift dimensions can vary significantly, ranging from three feet to eight feet. So, you’ll need to take this into account when selecting a new forklift.
Finally, choose a forklift that can lift to the highest levels of your racking.
Space that your forklift can't reach is wasted space. Select a forklift that meets your vertical storage requirements by verifying the lift height specifications. Without double-checking this, your forklift may come up short.
Double-check your facility’s requirements before committing to a specific forklift.
Your Forklift Experts
Even with all this information, there is still a lot to consider when selecting a new forklift.
Luckily, we can help. Our expert team can analyze your operational needs and recommend the best forklifts to meet them. We take into account your whole workflow and floor plan to find the right equipment or combination of equipment to ensure you’re set up for success.
For more help finding the right forklift for you or to request a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Georgia and Florida.
Florida
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven
Georgia
Albany
Macon
Columbus
Valdosta
Further Reading
Toyota’s 48V/80V Electric Forklift Has Returned
Walkie Stackers vs. Forklifts: What’s the Difference?
Different Types of Forklifts – OSHA Classifications Explained
