03 DEC, 2022|ARTICLES|600SA

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STAND UP AND SIT-DOWN FORKLIFTS?

Forklifts are subdivided into classes I-VII according to their application and performance. These seven (7) classes are categorised as follows:

1. Class I: Electric Motor Rider Forklifts
2. Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts (Reach Trucks, Order Pickers)
3. Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors
4. Class IV: Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts
5. Class V: Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
6. Class VI: Electric/ IC Tow Tractors
7. Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts

Within these classes forklifts can also be divided into sit-down, stand-up and walker forklifts. Choosing the right type of forklift is crucial for the efficiency, safety, and productivity of your wholesaler. Below is a brief introduction to the subtle distinctions between sit-down and stand-up forklifts.

What is a sit-down forklift?

Sit-down forklifts are ergonomically designed forklifts that are designed for the comfort of the operator. When operating sit-down forklifts drivers don’t need to exit the forklift when moving materials making them suitable for longer shifts. Sit-down forklifts can travel faster than stand-up models as they have seatbelt for safety at higher speeds.

What is a stand-up forklift?

Stand-up forklifts are designed for optimising visibility, as operators don’t need to strain their neck to see behind them and are more efficient when operating in confined spaces and narrow aisles. Operators are required to stand when operating a stand-on forklifts which is generally best when operating the forklift for short period of time and increase efficiency when operator must get on and off the forklift frequently.

5 important considerations when deciding between a stand up forklift vs sit-down

Stand up and sit down forklifts are both reliable and durable with similar applications. Therefore, before making a final decision, it is important to ask the following questions:

• How longer are operator’s shifts on average?
• How frequently are operators required to exit and re-enter the forklift during their shift?
• What are your wholesale’s physical characteristics? Do you have space constraints? What is your floor type? etc.
• Will the forklift have to manoeuvre sharp corners and narrow aisles?
• What kinds of products will the forklift be moving? What is the require lifting capacity?

Sit-down forklifts vs Stand-up forklifts

600SA, a proud distributor of CT Power forklifts, an internationally recognised brand with more than 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing material handling equipment. CT Power’s range of forklift products include their FBR15 stand-on reach stackers and FBR20 sit-down reach stackers.

The FBR sit-down and stand-on series offer excellent performance and durability. Their innovative design and top-quality components ensure the best-in-class performance with fast travelling and lifting speeds for increased efficiency and productivity. Their robust and reliable design ensures the safety and comfort of the driver, whether they are standing or seated, with an easily accessible emergency button, reduced noise and easy maintenance and battery replacement. These are only

To find out more about our CT Power stand-up and sit-down forklifts contact our representatives today or browse our products here.