Counterbalance lift trucks are basically forklifts that are designed with counterweight at the rear of the equipment. The counterweight works to balance the weight which the tines are carrying at the front of the cargo. This particular design is engineered to stabilize typical forklifts. When it comes to electric counterbalance forklifts, the counterweight is formed by the battery itself.

Counterbalance lift trucks can often be found in every manufacturer's product range. They are normally manufactured in a range of configurations and sizes, using a range of fuel sources. These forklifts can with pneumatic or solid tires, and be designed with 3 or 4 wheels. They can operate in diverse applications. These lift trucks are outfitted with various types of accessories. Common attachments and options consist of: hydraulic clamps, side shifts, slip sheet attachments and fork shifts just to mention some items.

Counterbalance lift trucks have changed the material handling industry. They have become the cornerstone of distribution and storage systems where they perform loading, stacking, horizontal transport functions and unloading. The average warehouse lift trucks are usually used for lift heights less than 20 feet or 6 meters. There have been some units recently developed which are capable of lifting to heights 9.5 meters or 31 feet. The smaller 4000 lbs. or 1-1.8 ton forklifts are the main workhorses within the majority of warehouses. These are the most popular models that the majority of small companies would have. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is really a wide-aisle truck which needs roughly 11 feet or 3 meters to turn in.

Additionally, the counterbalanced forklift is not necessarily limited to warehouse settings. They are often used for heavy use and carrying containers along with basically every use in between. Counterbalance lift trucks are the most versatile and widely used of all materials handling equipment.

The counterbalanced forklift is common in many working environments, like retail, warehousing and production. This is due to their durability and versatility. Several of the industrial use comprise: automotive, timber, chemical and food businesses.