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

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

Counterbalance lift trucks have revolutionized the material handling industry. They have become the cornerstone of storage and distribution systems where they perform stacking, loading, horizontal transport functions and unloading. The standard warehouse lift trucks are typically utilized for lift heights less than 6 meters or 20 feet. There have been some units recently developed which are capable of lifting to heights 31 feet or 9.5 meters. The smaller 4000 lbs. or 1-1.8 ton forklifts are the main workhorses in the majority of warehouses. These are the most common models which most small businesses will have. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is really a wide-aisle truck which needs approximately 3 meters or 11 feet to turn in.

Counterbalance forklifts are not necessarily limited to the warehouse. They are usually utilized for heavy use and carrying containers together with basically every use in between. Counterbalance lift trucks are the most versatile and widely utilized of all materials handling machinery.

Due to their durability and versatility, counterbalance forklifts are commonplace in a huge array of working environments, like retail, warehousing and production. Some of the industrial use include: chemical, food, automotive and timber industries.