The counterbalanced lift truck is a lift truck that utilizes a counter balance which is attached to the back end of the machine. This counterbalance effectively balances loads which are placed on the tines at the front end of the equipment. This design is engineered to stabilize conventional forklifts. When it comes to electric counterbalance forklifts, the battery itself forms the counterweight.

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

The counterbalance lift truck has in fact changed the whole business of material handling. These machinery are important to the shipping and receiving centers all-around the world as they are utilized for loading, stacking, horizontal transport functions and unloading. The average warehouse lift trucks are typically used for lift heights under 6 meters or 20 feet. There have been some units recently developed that could lift to heights 31 feet or 9.5 meters. The smaller 4000 lbs. or 1-1.8 ton forklifts are the main workhorses in most warehouses. These are the most popular models that most small companies would own. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is actually a wide-aisle truck that needs roughly 3 meters or 11 feet to turn in.

Also, the counterbalanced lift truck is not necessarily limited to warehouse settings. They are usually used for heavy use and carrying containers along with basically every use in between. Counterbalance lift trucks are the most widely used and versatile of all materials handling machinery.

Due to their versatility and durability, counterbalance lift trucks are commonplace in a large array of working environments, like warehousing, production and retail. Several of the industrial use comprise: automotive, timber, food and chemical industries.