Forklifts are power-operated, industrial vehicles that move large objects across short distances. They feature a forked platform attached to the front that can be raised and lowered to lift and transport cargo using hydraulics. Forklifts are grouped based on size, how much weight they can move and the recommended terrain type for best operation. What are the different types of forklifts? Forklifts are used for a variety of reasons depending on the job, environment and load weight. Here are 13 different types of forklifts with examples of when to use them: