The counterbalanced lift truck is a lift truck that utilizes a counter balance that is connected to the rear end of the machine. This counterbalance effectively balances loads which are positioned on the forks at the front end of the machine. This design is engineered to stabilize conventional lift trucks. As far as electric counterbalance forklifts 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 variety of sizes and configurations, using a range of fuel sources. These lift trucks can with pneumatic or solid tires. They are capable of working in diverse applications. These lift trucks are equipped with various types of accessories. Common options and attachments consist of: slip sheet attachments, fork shifts, side shifts and hydraulic clamps just to name some items.

The counterbalance lift truck has in fact changed the entire business of material handling. These machines are important to the shipping and receiving centers around the planet since they are utilized for loading, stacking, unloading and horizontal transport functions. The average warehouse lift trucks are normally utilized for lift heights less than 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 the majority of warehouses. These are the most popular units which the majority of small companies will have. The average 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 often used for heavy use and carrying containers together with pretty much every application in between. Counterbalance lift trucks are the most versatile and widely used of all materials handling machinery.

The counterbalanced forklift is common in many working environments, like warehousing, production and retail. This is due to their durability and versatility. Some of the industrial use comprise: timber, automotive, food and chemical businesses.