Forklifts

A forklift truck is a versatile industrial vehicle, with three or four wheels, primarily used for the efficient internal handling and transport of goods. Unlike pallet trucks, forklifts have their own drive and a mast, enabling them to lift and stack loads.

Depending on the type and construction of the truck, the key component of a forklift’s function is the lifting unit, comprising the lift mast and fork carrier. These forks slide beneath pallets and other items to raise and stack them using a lifting mast, hydraulic cylinder and lifting chains. 

Forklift trucks excel at various tasks, including loading/unloading trucks, internal facility transport and even specialised purposes, such as setting up and dismantling trade fairs and events.

Depending on the type and application, forklift trucks are used for many different purposes, namely in handling and transporting of goods. They are vital in many industries: from the automotive sector and the manufacturing industry to the food and beverage industry and for logistics companies. Forklifts are used both indoors (e.g., in halls and warehouses) and outdoors (e.g., on company premises, at a harbour port or airport, or at event locations).

Forklifts may be driven only on specified traffic routes on company premises. Electric forklifts can be operated both indoors and outdoors, whereas gas and diesel are more limited. Gas forklifts must meet special safety and emission regulations for indoor use. Diesel forklifts are basically only used outdoors.

When it comes to drives, a fundamental distinction is made between forklift trucks with electric motors and those with internal combustion (IC) engines.

Electromotive forklifts draw their energy from a forklift battery. Lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used types. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are more environmentally friendly, more energy efficient and they deliver consistently good performance even when the battery is already partially discharged. They are also maintenance-free and have a long service life.

With combustion engine forklifts, a distinction is made between diesel forklifts and gas or LPG forklifts. The latter are operated either with natural gas or liquid gas (LPG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas), depending on the type. 

The lifting capacity of forklift trucks varies based on their construction and drive system. Forklifts from Jungheinrich can lift loads of up to 5t in weight. However, it is important to note that the load capacity decreases as the lifting height increases. Our technical product sheets provide more detail on load capacity of individual truck models.

Additionally, the lifting height of forklift trucks is influenced by various factors. Forklifts from Jungheinrich can reach impressive heights of up to 7.5m.

Forklift trucks operate according to the counterbalance principle. The forks are located at the front of the truck. The load weight picked up by the fork is balanced by a correspondingly high counterweight at the rear.

There are also other, special types of forklift trucks. 

• Reach trucks push the mast forwards and then back again to pick up the load, so that the load's centre of gravity is no longer at the front but rather between the truck's axles. 
• High-bay stackers are forklifts which operate in very narrow aisles to load and unload goods on a rack system in the high-bay warehouse. 
• Order picking trucks collect goods according to specified orders.

The pallet truck, though a variant, is typically not classified as one of the traditional forklifts. Pedestrian stackers, also referred to as high-lift trucks, are generally categorised as lifting trucks.

While the term "stacker" is frequently used interchangeably with "forklift truck," it underscores that industrial trucks can not only lift palletised goods but also stack them.

The label "front loader" encompasses all trucks where the fork carriage or forks are positioned at the front. Additionally, the driver's seat or cab typically faces the direction of travel. A classic forklift truck is considered a front loader.

The term "pedestrian-controlled forklift truck" is relatively uncommon and pertains to forklift trucks that are operated using a drawbar by pedestrians instead of a driver. These "high-lift trucks" are not categorised as forklifts but rather as pallet trucks.

To operate a forklift truck in Singapore, you need a forklift truck license certified by a WDA-approved institution. The minimum age for acquiring this license is 18 years. More information and guidelines can be found on the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/.

Jungheinrich offers forklift operator refresher training courses to help operators stay refreshed and updated, equipping them with the skills for efficient and safe forklift truck operation.

Our Jungheinrich JUNGSTARS are professionally refurbished forklift trucks. All forklift trucks come with a 3-month to 12-month warranty, just like our new models. With every Jungheinrich JUNGSTAR you also receive a comprehensive service package, such as a trade-in for your old truck.

Explore our used Jungheinrich JUNGSTAR trucks in our used forklift here.

For short-term needs, our professional rental trucks offer the flexibility of only paying for the truck when you need it. Our Jungheinrich Rental Service experts offer a free-of-charge consultation and a no-obligation quote.

Do you need a forklift truck for a limited, yet extended period of time? Our long-term rental service offers tailored lease and rental options for ultimate flexibility, planning reliability, and cost transparency.