The counterbalanced forklift is a lift truck that utilizes a counter balance that is connected to the rear end of the equipment. This counterbalance effectively balances loads which are positioned on the tines at the front end of the machinery. This specific design is engineered to stabilize typical forklifts. As far as electric counterbalance lift trucks are concerned, the counterweight is formed by the battery itself.

Practically every forklift manufacturer will have in their product range, a counterbalance forklift. These equipment will come in a huge variety of fuel sources, sizes and configurations. These forklifts can be designed with 4 or 3 wheels, or be fitted. They are capable of working in diverse applications. These lift trucks are outfitted with a variety of accessories. Common options and attachments include: fork shifts, slip sheet attachments, hydraulic clamps and side shifts just to name a few.

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

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

The counterbalanced lift truck is common in numerous working environments, such as warehousing, production and retail. This is because of their versatility and durability. Several of the industrial use include: food, chemical, timber and automotive industries.