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

Counterbalance lift trucks could usually be found in every manufacturer's product range. They are normally manufactured in a range of sizes and configurations, using a variety of fuel sources. These forklifts could with pneumatic or solid tires, and be designed with 4 or 3 wheels. They are capable of working in diverse applications. These lift trucks are outfitted with a range of accessories. Common attachments and options comprise: slip sheet attachments, fork shifts, hydraulic clamps and side shifts just to mention some items.

The counterbalance forklift has in fact changed the entire business of material handling. These machinery are essential to the shipping and receiving centers around the globe because they are utilized for loading, stacking, unloading and horizontal transport functions. The standard warehouse lift trucks are usually utilized for lift heights less than 6 meters or 20 feet. There have been some recently designed units which are capable of lifting to heights 9.5 meters or 31 feet. The smaller 4000 lbs. or 1-1.8 ton forklifts are the main workhorses inside the majority of warehouses. These are the most common units which the majority of small companies will own. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is a wide-aisle truck which requires approximately 3 meters or 11 feet to turn in.

Furthermore, the counterbalanced lift truck is not necessarily confined to warehouse environments. They are usually used for carrying containers and heavy use along with pretty much every use in between. Counterbalance lift trucks are the most versatile and widely used of all materials handling machines.

Because of their versatility and durability, counterbalance forklifts are commonplace in a huge range of working environments, like warehousing, production and retail. Some of the industrial applications include: automotive, timber, food and chemical businesses.