The height of an electric forklift is not a fixed value; it varies significantly based on its type, application scenario, and design purpose. Below is a detailed breakdown of key height-related parameters, common classifications, and typical height ranges to help you understand and select the right equipment.
1. Core Height Parameters of Electric Forklifts
To accurately describe an electric forklift’s height, three key parameters must be distinguished—they correspond to different functional states and usage needs:
| Parameter Name | Definition | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Free Lift Height | The maximum height the forks can rise without increasing the forklift’s overall height (achieved via a telescopic inner mast). | Critical for working in low-clearance spaces (e.g., warehouses with low ceilings, shipping containers). |
| Maximum Lift Height | The maximum vertical distance from the ground to the top of the forks when the mast is fully extended. | Determines the forklift’s ability to stack goods (e.g., 3-meter high shelves require a lift height of at least 3.3–3.5 meters to avoid collisions). |
| Overall Height (Closed Mast) | The total height of the forklift when the mast is fully lowered (from the ground to the top of the mast or overhead guard). | Essential for passing through doorways, entering elevators, or storing the forklift in spaces with height limits. |
2. Typical Height Ranges by Forklift Type
Electric forklifts are divided into several categories based on their use; their height ranges differ drastically:
(1) Standard Counterbalanced Electric Forklifts (Most Common)
Widely used in warehouses, factories, and logistics centers for general cargo handling.
- Overall Height (Closed Mast): 1.8–2.5 meters (varies by load capacity; larger load capacities may have slightly higher overhead guards).
- Free Lift Height: Usually 0.3–0.5 meters (basic models); high-free-lift versions (for containers) can reach 1.2–1.8 meters.
- Maximum Lift Height:
- Standard models: 3–6 meters (for 2–4-meter high storage shelves).
- High-lift models: 7–12 meters (for medium-height warehouses; require a 2–3-stage mast and stability enhancements).
(2) Electric Reach Trucks
Designed for narrow-aisle warehouses (aisle width: 2.5–3.5 meters) to maximize vertical storage space.
- Overall Height (Closed Mast): 1.9–2.3 meters.
- Free Lift Height: 0.5–1.0 meters (to align with pallet entry heights).
- Maximum Lift Height: 8–18 meters (specialized models for "very narrow aisle" (VNA) warehouses can exceed 20 meters).
(3) Electric Pallet Jacks (Low-Lift)
Used for short-distance transportation (e.g., loading/unloading trucks, moving goods within a warehouse) and cannot stack high.
- Overall Height: 1.1–1.5 meters (compact design, no tall mast).
- Maximum Lift Height: Only 0.1–0.2 meters (enough to lift pallets off the ground to avoid friction).
(4) Electric Order Pickers
Used for "man-up" picking of goods (e.g., e-commerce warehouses, retail distribution centers), where the operator rises with the platform.
- Overall Height (Lowered Platform): 1.2–1.6 meters.
- Maximum Platform Height: 3–12 meters (operator can reach goods on high shelves directly; some models have a secondary "fork lift" of 0.5–1 meter for small items).
3. Key Factors Affecting Height Selection
When choosing an electric forklift’s height, focus on these practical needs:
- Warehouse Ceiling Height: Ensure the forklift’s maximum lifted height (mast + forks) does not exceed the ceiling (leave a 0.3–0.5 meter safety gap).
- Shelf Height: The forklift’s maximum lift height must be 0.2–0.4 meters higher than the shelf height (to safely place/retrieve pallets).
- Space Constraints: For doorways, elevators, or shipping containers, prioritize the forklift’s overall height (closed mast) to avoid being blocked.
- Operation Type: Picking tasks need order pickers with adjustable platform heights; heavy stacking needs counterbalanced or reach trucks with high lift heights.
4. Example Scenarios for Reference
| Scenario | Recommended Forklift Type | Ideal Maximum Lift Height | Ideal Overall Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small warehouse (3m shelves) | Standard counterbalanced | 3.3–4 meters | ≤2.2 meters |
| Medium VNA warehouse (12m shelves) | Electric reach truck | 12.5–13 meters | ≤2.3 meters |
| E-commerce picking (8m shelves) | Electric order picker | 8.5–9 meters | ≤1.5 meters |
| Truck unloading only | Electric pallet jack | 0.15 meters | ≤1.4 meters |
If you have specific usage requirements (e.g., load capacity, aisle width), you can further narrow down the height range for more precise selection.
