Forklifts are essential in many industries across Australia, including warehousing, construction, and logistics. However, not all forklifts are the same. There are various types designed for different tasks, and knowing which one to learn to operate can help you get the right certification and improve your job prospects.

If you’re looking to get your forklift licence in Australia, you’ll need to understand the differences between these machines, their uses, and which type best suits your industry.

Counterbalance Forklifts

What They Are

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type found in Australian workplaces. They have a heavy counterweight at the back to balance the load being lifted at the front.

Best For:

• Warehouses
• Manufacturing facilities
• General material handling

Why Learn to Operate One?

Counterbalance forklifts are widely used, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities for licensed operators. The TLILIC003 forklift licence covers these forklifts, making it a great starting point for anyone entering the industry.

Reach Trucks

What They Are

Reach trucks are designed for narrow aisles and can extend their forks forward to “reach” into racking systems. Unlike counterbalance forklifts, they are mainly used indoors.

Best For:

• Large distribution centres
• High-rise warehouse storage
• Retail stockrooms

Why Learn to Operate One?

Many big retailers and logistics companies in Australia, such as Coles and Woolworths, use reach trucks to maximise storage space. Learning to operate one can increase your employability in the warehousing sector.

Order Pickers (Stock Pickers)

What They Are

Order pickers are a type of forklift that lifts the operator along with the load, allowing them to pick items from shelves.

Best For:

• Online retail warehouses (Amazon, eBay distribution centres)
• Supermarkets and stockrooms
• Small and medium-sized storage facilities

Why Learn to Operate One?

To legally operate an order picker in Australia, you need a separate licence (LO class). Many jobs in e-commerce and retail require both LF (standard forklift) and LO (order picker) licences, so learning to operate one can give you an edge in the job market.

Rough Terrain Forklifts

What They Are

These forklifts are designed for outdoor use, featuring large pneumatic tyres and a rugged build to handle rough surfaces.

Best For:

• Construction sites
• Mining operations
• Farms and agricultural settings

Why Learn to Operate One?

If you’re looking for work in Australia’s booming construction or mining sectors, rough terrain forklifts are commonly used for moving materials across uneven ground. Many job sites prefer operators with experience using these forklifts.

Telehandlers (Telescopic Handlers)

What They Are

Telehandlers look like a mix between a forklift and a crane. They have an extendable boom arm that can lift loads much higher than a standard forklift.

Best For:

• Construction and building sites
• Agriculture and farming
• Large-scale material handling operations

Why Learn to Operate One?

Operating a telehandler in Australia may require additional training beyond a standard forklift licence, depending on the attachments used. However, if you’re looking for a career in construction, agriculture, or logistics, learning to operate a telehandler can open up high-paying job opportunities.

Pallet Jacks (Electric Walkie Stackers & Ride-On Pallet Jacks)

What They Are

These are small, easy-to-use forklifts designed specifically for moving pallets over short distances. Some are manual, while others are electric.

Best For:

• Supermarkets
• Small warehouses
• Retail stores

Why Learn to Operate One?

Pallet jacks don’t require a full forklift licence in Australia, making them an easy entry point for beginners. If you’re looking for a casual or entry-level job in warehousing or retail, knowing how to use a pallet jack can be an advantage.

Container Handlers (Heavy-Duty Forklifts)

What They Are

These forklifts are massive and used primarily in ports and shipping yards to move heavy cargo containers.

Best For:

• Shipping docks
• Large logistics hubs
• Freight transport

Why Learn to Operate One?

If you’re interested in working at major Australian ports like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, a container handler certification can help you secure high-paying roles in freight and logistics.

Which Forklift Should You Learn to Operate?

The best forklift to learn depends on your career goals and industry preference. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• If you want general warehouse work, start with a counterbalance forklift (LF licence).
• If you want to work in retail or e-commerce, an order picker (LO licence) may be useful.
• If you prefer outdoor or construction jobs, learning to operate a rough terrain forklift or telehandler is a good choice.
• If you’re interested in high-paying transport and logistics jobs, a container handler licence can be valuable.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right forklift to operate can open up career opportunities across various industries in Australia. While the LF licence is the most common and widely accepted, specialised forklifts like order pickers, telehandlers, and rough terrain forklifts can help you land jobs in specific industries.

If you’re preparing for your forklift licence, make sure you understand the different types of forklifts and what’s required to operate them legally in Australia. Training with an accredited forklift course will give you the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to operate safely and confidently in the workplace.