Counterbalance forklifts are essentially forklifts that are engineered with counterweight at the rear of the equipment. The counterweight works to balance the weight that the tines are carrying at the front of the load. This specific design is engineered to stabilize typical forklifts. As far as electric counterbalance lift trucks are concerned, the battery itself forms the counterweight.

Counterbalance forklifts can often be found in every manufacturer's product range. They are normally manufactured in a range of configurations and sizes, utilizing a range of fuel sources. These lift trucks could be designed with 3 or 4 wheels, or be equipped. They are capable of working in diverse applications. These kinds of lift trucks are equipped with various kinds of accessories. Common options and attachments include: hydraulic clamps, side shifts, fork shifts and slip sheet attachments just to mention a few.

The counterbalance lift truck has in fact revolutionized the entire business of material handling. These machinery are vital to the shipping and receiving centers all-around the world because they are used for stacking, loading, unloading and horizontal transport functions. The average warehouse forklifts are typically used for lift heights under 20 feet or 6 meters. There have been some recently developed units that are capable of lifting to heights 9.5 meters or 31 feet. The smaller 1-1.8 ton or 4000 lbs. forklifts are the main workhorses inside the majority of warehouses. These are the most popular units which most small companies would own. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is actually a wide-aisle truck which requires around 3 meters or 11 feet to turn in.

Counterbalance forklifts are not necessarily confined to the warehouse. They are often utilized for heavy use and container carrying along with basically every use in between. Counterbalance forklifts are the most widely utilized and versatile of all materials handling machines.

Due to their durability and versatility, counterbalance forklifts are commonplace in a large range of working environments, like production, retail and warehousing. Some of the industrial use consist of: chemical, food, automotive and timber industries.