Sit Down vs. Stand Up Forklifts: Which Fits Your Business?

October 18, 2022 - Last modified: October 24, 2022 @ 4:01 pm

A forklift is one of the most convenient and versatile pieces of equipment for a warehouse setting. If you’re currently in the market for a lift truck, you have a big decision to make: Should you get a sit down or a stand up forklift?

The question of sit down vs. stand up forklift is constantly debated. Some people may tell you that one type is always better than the other. In truth, they both have their pros and cons. Here’s how to tell whether a sit down or stand up forklift is best for your business needs.

Sit Down Forklift Overview

A sit down forklift is also commonly called a counterbalance forklift due to its design. This type of forklift has a weight at the back that helps counterbalance any weight loaded onto the front. There are many different types of sit down forklifts, with propane-fueled and electric models being among the most common.

Characteristics of Sit Down Forklifts

These are the main features of a sit down forklift:

• Some have four wheels, though smaller electric models have three wheels.
• They have lifting capacities ranging from 3,000 pounds to more than 150,0000 pounds.
• They can be powered by battery or internal combustion (gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG).
• They are counterbalanced (meaning they have a metal counterweight that offsets the weight loaded onto the forks).
• They belong to various forklift classes, including Class I through Class V.
• Some are designed for indoor and outdoor use while others are only meant for indoor use.

Sit down propane forklifts are typically used in warehouse settings and are considered the “standard” type of sit down forklift. Electric sit down forklifts are smaller in size so can be more maneuverable.

Stand Up Forklift Overview

A stand up forklift is also commonly called an electric rider or a stand-on. This type of forklift is a bit more maneuverable than the sit down type. It can also fit into tighter spaces than sit down forklifts.

Characteristics of Stand Up Forklifts

Stand up forklifts:

• Use a battery to offset the front-end load instead of using a counterweight
• Usually have three wheels: one for steering and two for driving
• Are only available in battery-operated models and do not have internal combustion operation
• Have a shorter wheelbase than sit down forklifts
• Have a lifting capacity anywhere between 2,000 and 5,500 pounds
• Belong in forklift classes I and II
• Are almost always designed to be exclusively used indoors

Stand up forklifts can be broadly divided into two categories: reach trucks and stand up counterbalance forklifts.

A reach truck is a particular type of stand up forklift that has a scissor mechanism that allows the forklift operator to retract and extend the forks as needed to retrieve pallets and other loads from upper shelves and racking. Designed to be used in narrow aisles, they can reach inventory and pallets on high shelves and can turn on a dime, thanks to the placement of their wheels right below the operator.

Stand up counterbalance forklifts are a lot like their sit down counterparts. The main difference is, of course, that the operator stands up on a stand up forklift instead of sitting down.

The Main Differences Between a Sit Down vs. Stand Up Forklift

Besides their obvious differences in manufacturing and design, there are a few additional differences between a sit down vs. stand up forklift:

• Safety: Sit down forklifts are generally safer than the stand up types because they have standard seatbelts and there is no need for the operator to dismount if the machine tips over.
• Lifting Capacity: Sit down forklifts generally have a greater lifting capacity than stand up forklifts.
• Operating Environment: Most stand up forklifts are designed exclusively for indoor use, while some sit down forklifts can be operated in either an indoor or outdoor environment.
• Ergonomics: Depending on what your forklift operators do, they may find that one type of forklift is more comfortable for them than the other type. If your operators work long shifts or travel long distances throughout their shift, they may prefer to sit. On the other hand, if they must frequently dismount and mount their lift truck, they will likely prefer a stand up forklift. A stand up forklift may also be preferred by workers who must frequently back up, since a driver can easily turn backward in a stand up forklift but not in a sit down model.

Training Differences

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certain training requirement regulations for forklift operators. OSHA does not do the training or certification itself but instead requires companies to ensure their forklift operators meet certain minimum training requirements as required by law. OSHA’s forklift operator training requirements include:

• Formal instruction
• Practical training
• Evaluation

Formal instruction can be obtained online or in person, but practical training and evaluation must always be done in person.

Forklift training differs between a sit down vs. stand up forklift. Since these two types of forklifts vary in speed, maneuverability, capability, load handling, and general operation, it makes sense that they have different training requirements. This means someone who is trained and certified in sit down forklift operation is not automatically qualified to operate a stand up forklift, and vice versa. The appropriate type of training must be received for the type of forklift in operation.

Understanding Whether You Should Get a Sit Down vs. Stand Up Forklift

Are you still wondering whether a sit down vs. stand up forklift is best for your workplace? If your goal is to maximize your warehouse space by making narrower and taller aisles, a stand up reach truck may be ideal. If you have a little more room to maneuver around and you want your employees to have faster lifting and lowering times, you may go for a sit down forklift. Either way, if you’re ready to invest in a high-quality forklift or reach truck, check out the new or used models at Forklift inventory. We’re confident we have the perfect machine for your company’s needs.

Find New & Used Forklift for Sale Today.

Sources:

• https://www.forkliftinventory.com/forklifts/
• https://www.renoforklift.com/stand-up-vs-sit-down-forklift-what-you-need-to-know/
• https://www.conger.com/sit-down-forklifts/
• https://www.tmhnc.com/blog/stand-up-forklift-pros-and-cons
• https://www.forkliftinventory.com/blog/sit-down-vs-stand-up-forklift/
• https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/does-your-business-need-a-sit-down-or-stand-up-forklift
• https://safetyskills.com/osha-forklift-training-safety-requirements/