In logistics, warehousing and many industrial fields, forklifts are indispensable handling equipment. Forklifts have a rich variety of classifications, and each category has its own unique characteristics.
Classification by power source
Gasoline forklift
Forklifts powered by gasoline engines have the characteristics of good starting performance, relatively stable engine operation, and large output power. They perform well in outdoor working environments and have good adaptability to temperature. However, gasoline is highly volatile, which increases safety risks to a certain extent, and its operating costs are relatively high. In the second-hand forklift market, there are some specialized second-hand dealers who focus on checking the integrity of the engine's starting system and fuel system when purchasing and selling gasoline forklifts to ensure their stable performance. For example, some large-scale second-hand engineering equipment dealers will conduct professional inspections on the engines of gasoline forklifts, provide detailed information on the degree of engine wear, and provide reliable references for buyers.
Diesel forklift
The biggest advantage of forklifts using diesel engines is that they are powerful and have high torque. They are particularly suitable for use under heavy load conditions, such as in large-scale cargo handling, industrial manufacturing and other fields. At the same time, it has good fuel economy and is more fuel-efficient than gasoline forklifts. But it cannot be ignored that diesel forklifts have greater noise and vibration. In the second-hand market, professional second-hand dealers will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the power system of diesel forklifts, including the power output of the engine, fuel consumption, etc. Some well-known second-hand equipment trading centers also provide test drive services, allowing buyers to personally experience the power performance of diesel forklifts.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) forklift
Forklifts fueled by liquefied petroleum gas have relatively clean emissions and less pollution to the environment, so they are very suitable for use in indoor environments with high environmental protection requirements. And its fuel cost is usually slightly lower than gasoline and diesel. When selling LPG forklifts, second-hand dealers will focus on checking the sealing and safety of its gas system to ensure that there is no hidden danger of gas leakage.
Electric forklift
DC electric forklift
This type of forklift is driven by a DC motor, has very good speed regulation performance, can achieve relatively precise speed control, and has a large starting torque. It is particularly suitable for use in operating environments with frequent starts and stops, such as short-distance transportation of goods in small warehouses. When selling DC electric forklifts, second-hand dealers will test their motors and batteries to ensure that the motors are running stably and the battery life meets the standards. Some dealers also provide battery replacement and upgrade services to improve the performance of the forklift.
AC Electric Forklift
Forklifts using AC motors have simple structures, easy maintenance and low operating costs. AC motors are more efficient, can provide more stable power output, and perform well under long-term operating conditions, such as continuous operations in large logistics centers. For second-hand AC electric forklifts, dealers will check the stability of their electronic control systems to ensure that the forklifts will not have electrical failures during operation.
Classification by structural characteristics
Counterbalanced forklifts
This is the most common type of forklift, with a counterweight installed at the rear of the body to balance the weight of the goods in front of the forklift, thereby maintaining the stability of the forklift. It can be used in different operating environments, such as indoor warehouses, outdoor yards, etc., and can carry goods of various shapes and weights. This type of forklift has a wide range of lifting weights, from small 1-2 tons to large tens of tons, which can meet the needs of operations of different sizes. In the second-hand market, the transaction volume of counterbalanced forklifts is large, and second-hand dealers will check the key parts of the forklift, such as the frame and counterweight, to ensure its structural stability. Some dealers will also refurbish and maintain second-hand counterbalanced forklifts to improve their appearance and performance to a certain extent.
Forward-moving forklift
Its gantry or fork can move forward and backward, and the fork can be directly extended into the shelf for picking and placing without moving the body. This allows it to make full use of shelf space in warehouses with limited space and improve storage utilization, and is particularly suitable for narrow channel operations. It is flexible in operation and can effectively increase the storage density of the warehouse, but the lifting weight is relatively small, generally around 1-3 tons. When selling forward-moving forklifts, second-hand dealers will focus on checking whether the moving mechanism of its gantry and fork is flexible to ensure that there is no jamming or failure.
Side-mounted forklift
The fork is installed on the side of the forklift body. Its main advantage is that it is very convenient when loading and unloading long strips of goods, such as wood, pipes, etc. Side-mounted forklifts can load and unload along the length of the goods, and do not need to turn to enter the cargo area like ordinary forklifts, thereby improving operating efficiency. It has a strong side stacking capacity, but due to its special structure, it is slightly inferior to the counterbalanced forklift in terms of versatility. When dealing with side-mounted forklifts, second-hand dealers will check the stability and reliability of its side loading and unloading mechanism.
Telescopic arm forklift
It has a retractable lifting arm and can perform lifting and handling operations like a crane. It can not only lift goods in the vertical direction, but also extend and retract in the horizontal direction. It is suitable for handling large and irregularly shaped goods in construction sites, farms and other places. This forklift has a wide operating range, but the price is relatively high, and the operator's skills are also required to be high. When selling telescopic arm forklifts, second-hand dealers will conduct a detailed inspection of the telescopic mechanism of its lifting arm to ensure that it operates smoothly and without troubles.
Classification by purpose
General forklift
Designed for handling a variety of different types of goods, suitable for general warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and other industries. It has relatively balanced performance and functions, and can meet most common cargo loading and unloading and handling needs, such as handling palletized goods, boxed goods, etc. General forklifts have various specifications and models, which can be selected according to different operating scenarios and cargo characteristics. When selling general forklifts, second-hand dealers will recommend suitable models and specifications based on the actual needs of customers.
Special forklift
It is designed for specific industries or special goods. For example, explosion-proof forklifts are used in dangerous environments with flammable and explosive gases or dust, such as the petrochemical industry. It has special explosion-proof devices to ensure safe operation in dangerous environments. Cold chain forklifts are used in refrigerated warehouses and have good heat preservation and low-temperature operation performance to ensure the safe transportation and storage of frozen foods. Special forklifts have irreplaceable roles in specific fields, but their scope of use is relatively narrow. When handling special forklifts, second-hand dealers will test their special devices and systems to ensure that they can work normally in specific environments. Regardless of the type of forklift, it needs to be professionally evaluated and processed by second-hand dealers in the second-hand market to provide buyers with equipment with reliable quality and stable performance.