Counterbalance forklifts are essentially forklifts that are designed with counterweight at the back of the machine. The counterweight works to balance the weight that the blades are carrying at the front of the load. This specific design is engineered to stabilize typical lift trucks. As far as electric counterbalance lift trucks are concerned, the battery itself forms the counterweight.

Counterbalance forklifts could usually be found in every manufacturer's product range. They are usually manufactured in a variety of sizes and configurations, using a range 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 kinds of lift trucks are outfitted with a range of accessories. Common options and attachments include: slip sheet attachments, fork shifts, hydraulic clamps and side shifts just to mention some items.

Counterbalance forklifts have revolutionized the material handling business. They have become the cornerstone of distribution and storage systems where they perform stacking, loading, horizontal transport functions and unloading. The standard warehouse lift trucks are typically used for lift heights under 20 feet or 6 meters. There have been some models recently developed which could lift to heights 31 feet or 9.5 meters. The smaller 1-1.8 ton or 4000 lbs. forklifts are the main workhorses inside most warehouses. These are the most popular models that the majority of small businesses would own. The standard warehouse counterbalance forklift is really a wide-aisle truck which requires approximately 3 meters or 11 feet to turn in.

Also, the counterbalanced lift truck is not necessarily limited to warehouse settings. They are normally used for heavy use and container carrying along with pretty much every application in between. Counterbalance forklifts are the most widely used and versatile of all materials handling equipment.

The counterbalanced lift truck is common in many working environments, such as retail, warehousing and production. This is due to their durability and versatility. Some of the industrial applications include: timber, automotive, food and chemical industries.