Today we'll take a closer look at the counterbalance forklift.
We have over 40 years in the material handling industry and we would love to share our expertise and experience with you.
We'll let you know what a counterbalance forklift is and which are the best models for various applications to help you choose the right one for your needs. So, let's get going.
Learn about the different types of counterbalance forklift
What Is a Counterbalance Forklift?
A counterbalance forklift gets its name from its design. It is heavily weighted in the rear so that when it lifts an incredibly heavy load, the weight in the back can "counter" the front weight so that the forklift doesn't tip over. The two weights balance each other out and give the forklift stability.
Counterbalance Forklift Models
There are many different types of counterbalance forklift models to choose from. Each one has certain advantages which makes it suitable for specific applications. The various models can be categorized by fuel source, types of wheels, and lifting capacities.
Counterbalance Forklift: Electric, Propane, or Diesel?
You can choose the type of fuel that your counterbalance forklift uses. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Electric Counterbalance forklift
An electric counterbalance forklift is great for indoor applications
Advantages:
An electric counterbalance forklift is your best choice for indoor applications. This is because electric forklifts do not cause harmful emissions like propane and diesel models.
They are also the best choice for working inside enclosed spaces such as unloading transports or shipping containers. Electric forklifts are also much more environmentally friendly than forklifts with internal combustion engines.
Electric forklifts are also the quietest type of counterbalance forklift and they cost less to maintain.
Certain models of lithium-ion-powered electric forklifts charge while you are operating them and only take about 2 hours to fully charge. Given this, they can be used for double and triple shifts without the need to purchase a second battery as you do with a lead-acid battery.
Lithium-ion batteries also don't need to be watered and carefully maintained like a lead-acid battery does, making them virtually maintenance-free.
Lithium-ion forklifts are virtually maintenance free
Disadvantages:
Lead-acid forklift batteries are large and cumbersome and they need to be carefully maintained. They also take about 8 to 10 hours to charge and another 8 hours for them to cool down before you can use them again. So you have to have more than one forklift battery to rotate if you want to do double shifts with your equipment which can be quite expensive.
Lithium-ion-powered counterbalance forklifts are more expensive to purchase upfront than propane forklifts, however, their total cost of ownership is much lower.
Electric forklifts don't perform as well in cold or wet locations.
Best for: Indoor applications and enclosed spaces
Propane Counterbalance forklift
Propane can be used indoors and outdoors
Advantages:
Propane-powered forklifts produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and have a lower carbon content than diesel-powered models.
Because of their lower emissions, you can use them in both indoor and outdoor applications, however, you would still want to have proper ventilation if you are using them inside of a warehouse. They are also more eco-friendly than a diesel forklift.
Propane-powered forklifts are usually less expensive to purchase upfront than an electric forklift and it is faster and easier to change a propane tank than it is to change and charge a lead-acid battery.
Disadvantages:
Propane forklifts cost more to run than electric ones and they don't have as good of rear visibility due to the position of their propane tank. In addition, really cold temperatures may cause them to be less reliable.
Best for: Indoor and outdoor applications
Diesel Counterbalance forklift
A diesel counterbalance forklift will usually last longer than a propane or electric model
Advantages:
Diesel is much cheaper to purchase than propane. Diesel engines are generally more powerful than both electric and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) engines. Diesel forklifts also have a lower total cost of ownership compared to propane forklifts. Diesel engines generally last longer as well.
Disadvantages:
Because of their high dangerous emissions, diesel forklifts are not suitable for indoor applications. Diesel forklifts also are the most expensive to purchase.
Best for: Outdoor applications
Counterbalance Forklift: Cushion or Pneumatic?
Counterbalance forklifts also come with a choice of tires. You can purchase an electric, propane or diesel forklift with your choice of tires. Here are the different tires available.
Cushion Tires
Cushion tires work best for indoor applications
Advantages:
Cushion forklift tires are made from solid rubber and are attached directly on the wheel of your forklift. They are also smooth and do not have the deep treads found on pneumatic tires.
Because cushion forklift tires sit lower to the ground, they will give you a smaller turning radius. This means that they have exceptional maneuverability.
Disadvantages:
Cushion tires have a difficult time traveling over the uneven surfaces found outside, such as dirt and gravel. Because cushion tires have a lower clearance than pneumatic, they are unable to maneuver over rough surfaces.
Best for: Cushion forklift tires are best for indoor applications. This type of tire is designed to work best on even surfaces such as warehouse flooring.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are best for rough terrain
Advantages:
An air-filled pneumatic tire has an airtight inner core filled with pressurized air and covered by a tread that is usually reinforced with steel belting or other materials. The inside pressure of the tire is greater than the outside air pressure, which means that the tire will stay inflated even with the heavy weight of the vehicle pressing down on it.
Pneumatic tires are made out of very durable rubber and are constructed with a deep tread that makes them more durable than cushion tires. The deeper treads on a pneumatic tire are perfect for gripping uneven surfaces outside.
Air-filled pneumatic tires are filled with air, which cushions your ride and will give you a smoother overall operating experience. The air helps to absorb the bumps when going over potholes and other obstructions, making your operator’s ride much more comfortable. This absorbing effect will also help to lengthen the lifespan of your forklift as it will protect your trucks from the hard, constant jarring of the terrain.
Solid pneumatic tires are made of rubber or sometimes filled with foam instead of air. This makes them more puncture-proof than air-filled tires, but they don't give you as smooth of a ride.
Solid pneumatic tires resist punctures
Disadvantages:
Pneumatic tires can get punctured and will need to be repaired or replaced. They are also more expensive to buy than cushion tires and they are not suitable for warehouse floors. Because of their size, pneumatic forklifts usually have a larger turning radius, making them less maneuverable than a smaller cushion forklift.
Best for: If your forklifts are to be working on uneven or rugged terrain, such as gravel, pneumatic tires are your best choice.
You can also use pneumatic tires indoor for extra comfort for your operators, however, if you are working in tighter spaces and require greater maneuverability, you may want to choose a cushion tire.
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE BEST Counterbalance FORKLIFT? CONTACT WAYCO
Looking for the perfect counterbalance forklift for your needs? Contact Wayco. We are excited to be the exclusive dealer of Hangcha forklifts in southwestern Ontario. Whether you are in the market for a new or used forklift, talk to the professionals at Wayco. Selecting the best forklift for your particular situation isn’t easy, but the experts at Wayco can help.
They will listen to your needs and match you up with the perfect forklift to meet those needs and your budget.
Wayco also offers the best warranties in the business for both new and used forklifts so you can purchase with confidence! Contact us today!
What Our Customers Are Saying…
““I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.””
