Counterbalance Forklifts: Built for Strength and Simplicity
Counterbalance forklifts are a familiar sight across many industries. At Jofson, we supply and support Mitsubishi counterbalance trucks, which are designed to handle heavy, bulky loads with ease. These trucks feature a weight at the rear of the vehicle, which acts as a counterbalance to the load being carried on the front forks. This makes them ideal for lifting and transporting heavier goods over longer distances.
Counterbalance forklifts are best suited to open spaces and smooth surfaces. Their turning circle is broader than that of a reach truck, so they’re often used in yards, loading bays, and manufacturing environments where space isn’t as tight. Simple to operate and incredibly versatile, counterbalance trucks are a popular all-rounder across the Midlands and beyond.
Reach Trucks: Designed for Height and Precision
If your operations are centred around high-rack storage or narrow aisles, a reach truck is likely the better option. These trucks are purpose-built for vertical reach and tight manoeuvrability – ideal for high-density warehousing and indoor logistics.
Unlike counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks don’t use a considerable rear weight to stabilise loads. Instead, they rely on front support legs and a compact design with the drive wheel beneath the operator, offering exceptional balance and control. At Jofson, our Mitsubishi reach trucks are capable of reaching shelf heights of up to 13 metres, giving you access to the top racking levels with complete confidence.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s how counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks compare across key areas:
Stability and Balance
- Counterbalance forklifts rely on a heavy rear weight for balance, enabling them to carry heavier loads.
- Reach trucks are designed with front stabilising legs and a heavy battery to maintain balance without needing a counterweight.
Lift Capacity
- Counterbalance trucks can handle significantly heavier loads – Mitsubishi models can lift to 8 tonnes.
- Reach trucks are more focused on height than weight – typical models lift to 2.5 tonnes.
Turning Radius
- Reach trucks have a smaller turning circle, making them perfect for narrow aisles and compact warehouse layouts.
- Counterbalance forklifts require more space to operate but offer greater versatility on open ground.
Reach Height
- Reach trucks win when it comes to accessing high racking – with models reaching up to 13m.
- Counterbalance forklifts typically top out around 8m, which still covers many industrial use cases.
Which One is Right for You?
Both counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific environment, layout, and operational needs. If you need help deciding which type of forklift is best for your business, our team at Jofson is here to help. We’ve been supplying Mitsubishi forklifts and intralogistics solutions across the UK for decades, offering expert advice, flexible hire options, and complete aftersales support.
Get in touch today to speak with a member of our team or browse our latest range of forklifts.