Which used counterbalance forklift should you choose?
Navigating through used counterbalance forklifts and technical terms can be confusing. As a forklift specialist at Relevator, I—Rasmus—will walk you through the most important concepts—from free lift and cab options to the number of wheels. The goal is for you to feel completely confident in your decision and find the right forklift for your business.
What does "free lift" mean on a counterbalanced lift?
"Frilyft" is a term that often comes up when searching for used counterbalance forklifts. But what does it actually mean?
Free lift means that the forklift can raise the forks to a certain height off the ground without the mast itself extending upward and increasing the forklift’s overall height. This is usually made possible by an additional lift cylinder in the center of the mast.
If you have areas in your facility with low ceilings—such as under mezzanines, in ports, or inside container trucks—free lift is absolutely essential. This allows you to stack and handle cargo at lower heights without the risk of the mast hitting the ceiling. On a forklift without free lift, the mast begins to extend upward as soon as you raise the forks even slightly.
When should you choose a full cab on a counterbalanced forklift?
The choice between an open forklift (with only a protective roof) and a fully enclosed cab is primarily a matter of work environment, weather, and temperature.
A full cab—complete with a windshield, doors, wipers, and a heater—is the obvious choice if the truck is to be used outdoors year-round. In our Nordic climate, it quickly becomes untenable for the operator to drive in rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures without protection. The heat in the cab not only keeps the operator warm and productive, but also prevents the windows from fogging up, which is crucial for visibility and safety.
Why should a counterweight truck have lights?
Equipping a counterbalance forklift with the right lighting essentially comes down to two things: ensuring that the operator can see clearly and that others can see the forklift.
Lighting serves several important functions in our daily work:
Work Lighting for Visibility: Powerful forward- and rear-facing LED headlights allow the driver to clearly see cargo, pallet racks, and any obstacles. This is especially important when working in dark warehouses, inside freight cars or trailers, or outdoors during the darker months of the year.
Warning Lights (Strobes/Rotating Lights): A beacon light mounted on the roof makes the forklift visible from a distance in noisy environments where pedestrians may not hear a quiet electric forklift approaching.
Road Lighting: If the truck is to be driven on public roads (e.g., between two warehouse buildings), there are also legal requirements for standard road lighting, such as low beams, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Good lighting isn't just a matter of comfort for the driver—it's one of the most cost-effective and efficient investments you can make to prevent accidents in the workplace.
Why do some counterweights have only 3 wheels and others 4?
The difference between a three-wheel and a four-wheel counterbalance forklift comes down to where the forklift will be used and how heavy the loads you need to lift are. It’s simply a trade-off between maneuverability and stability.
Three-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts – Maximum Agility
A three-wheeled forklift has two drive wheels in the front and a single (or twin) steering wheel at the very rear in the center. This allows the rear wheel to turn almost 90 degrees, resulting in an extremely short turning radius.
Best for: Confined spaces, narrow warehouse aisles, and working inside trucks/containers.
Surface: Works best on smooth, even indoor car floors.
Lifting capacity: Usually up to about 1.5–2.0 metric tons.
Four-Wheel Counterbalance Forklifts – Stability and Power
A four-wheel forklift has traditional pairs of wheels both in the front and rear. This provides a wider base and much greater stability, especially when lifting to great heights or driving on uneven surfaces.
Best for: Heavy lifting, off-road driving, and uneven surfaces (such as gravel, asphalt with potholes, or speed bumps).
Substrate: Withstands slopes and harsher environments much better.
Lifting capacity: Available for loads ranging from 1.6 metric tons up to over 8 metric tons.
If you're short on space and mostly operate indoors on smooth floors, a 3-wheel forklift is the most maneuverable choice. If, on the other hand, you'll be operating outdoors, crossing thresholds, or handling very heavy loads, a 4-wheel forklift is the safest option.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Used Counterbalance Forklift
Forgetting the gate height when lifting: If you buy a forklift without a free-lift feature, the mast will hit the ceiling as soon as you raise the forks inside a container or under a mezzanine level.
Underestimating the Nordic climate: An open forklift will quickly come to a stop in the winter if the operator gets cold or if the windows fog up while driving outdoors.
Buying a forklift that's too big: A 4-wheel forklift requires more space to turn than a nimble 3-wheel model.
Saving on warning lights: Quiet electric forklifts are inaudible—if the forklift lacks flashing lights or rotating lights, the risk of incidents involving pedestrians increases significantly.
Not sure which model is best for you?
At Relevator We'll help you find the right forklift to meet your needs and fit the conditions in your warehouse.