There are various classification methods for electric forklifts. The following are common classifications:
Classification by Structure and Purpose
Four-way Electric Forklift: It has rotatable forks or a rotatable body, enabling it to travel and handle goods in four directions. It is suitable for use in narrow aisles and complex warehousing environments, which improves space utilization and operational flexibility.
Electric Pallet Stacker: It is mainly used for stacking and handling palletized goods. With a compact body, it is suitable for operating in narrow aisles within warehouses and can stack goods on shelves at a certain height.
Hand-pushed Electric-lifting Stacker: It combines the functions of a manual trolley and electric lifting. It is suitable for handling and stacking light-load and small-batch goods. It is flexible to operate and can work in a relatively small space. At the same time, the electric lifting function reduces the labor intensity of operators.
Electric Tractor: It is used for towing goods or trailers. Usually, it has a large traction force and can tow cargo flatbed trucks, trailers, etc. in places such as factories, warehouses, and logistics parks to achieve long-distance transportation of goods.
Three-point Electric Forklift: It adopts a structural design with three support points, featuring flexible steering and a small footprint. It is suitable for indoor places with limited space, such as small warehouses and supermarkets.
Four-point Counterbalance Forklift: It is one of the most common types of electric forklifts. With four support points, it has good stability and can carry a large weight. It is suitable for handling and loading/unloading various goods and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Reach Truck: It has a fork mechanism that can move forward. When stacking and picking up goods, the forks can extend forward, and then lift or lower the goods. It is suitable for use in narrow-aisle warehouses and can effectively improve the space utilization rate of the warehouse.
Three-point Mini Forklift: With a compact, small, and lightweight body, it is suitable for operating in narrow spaces and small places, such as small workshops and stores, and can perform some simple tasks of handling and stacking goods.
Ammunition Counterbalance Forklift: It is an electric forklift specially designed for handling special items such as ammunition. It has high safety and stability and usually has special functions such as explosion protection and anti-static to meet the safety requirements for the storage and transportation of ammunition.
Special Electric Forklift for Cold Storage: It is designed for the low-temperature environment of cold storage. It uses special thermal insulation materials and low-temperature adaptable components, enabling it to work normally under low-temperature conditions and ensuring the smooth handling and stacking of goods in the cold storage.
Explosion-proof Electric Forklift: It is mainly used in places with dangerous environments such as flammable and explosive gases and dust, such as the chemical, petroleum, and natural gas industries. Its electrical systems, engines, and other components have all been specially designed and explosion-proof treated to prevent sparks from being generated during operation and causing explosion accidents.
Classification by Power Source
Battery-powered Electric Forklift: It uses a storage battery as the power source. The battery pack converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the forklift to operate and perform tasks. This is the most common type of electric forklift, which has the advantages of environmental protection, quiet operation, and convenient operation.
Fuel Cell Electric Forklift: It uses a fuel cell as the power source. Through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, it generates electrical energy to power the forklift. The fuel cell electric forklift has the advantages of strong endurance and fast hydrogen refueling speed. However, currently, due to the high cost of fuel cell technology, its application is relatively limited.
In addition, electric forklifts can also be classified according to load capacity, lifting height, etc. Different types of electric forklifts are suitable for different working scenarios and operational requirements, and users can choose the appropriate electric forklift according to the actual situation.
