Hubhöhe verstehen: So wählst du das richtige Gerät - BIBERGER

Technik & Funktion

Understanding lifting height: How to choose the right device

Q: What is the difference between an ant and a pallet truck?

The term "Ant" is a colloquial term for a pallet truck and originally comes from Brand names of the company Jungheinrich . Technically there is no difference: Both terms refer to a Industrial truck for moving pallets at floor level . Today, “ant” is often as a synonym for simple hand pallet trucks used – especially in warehousing and logistics.

Q: Why is a pallet truck called an “ant”?

The name "Ant" originally comes from Brand names of the company Jungheinrich , which launched one of the first pallet trucks under this name in the 1950s. Because the device quickly spread and became typical for in-house pallet transport, “Ant” became the colloquial term for forklift trucks – similar to “Tempo” for paper tissues. Today the term is mainly used for simple hand pallet trucks without motor used.

Q: What is the maximum height a pallet truck can lift?

A classic hand pallet truck usually lifts pallets up to approx. 20 cm – enough to move them close to the ground. Scissor lift truck achieve significantly more and can carry loads on up to 80 cm lift – ideal for ergonomic working at table height. Electric high lift trucks even achieve lifting heights of up to 5.5 meters – and are therefore a space-saving alternative to forklifts in tight storage areas.

Q: What are the forklifts for high racks called?

Forklifts designed for use in high racks are called reach truck or High-bay stacker . The reach truck is the most common type and reaches Lifting heights up to 12 meters – while at the same time compact design and high maneuverability , ideal for narrow aisles in the warehouse. Other variants are Three-way stacker or narrow aisle forklifts which are specifically used for automated high-bay warehouses.

Q: How fast does a reach truck go?

A modern reach truck Depending on the model and equipment, it reaches a Driving speed between 10 and 14 km/h – when unloaded. Under load, the speed is usually 8 to 12 km/h , to Security and stability when maneuvering in narrow aisles. Many devices also have adjustable speed profiles – adapted to Ground conditions, load weight and location .

Q: What does free lift mean on a forklift?

The Free lift refers to the Height that the forks of a forklift can lift without the mast moving . This is especially important in low rooms or containers where the forklift is required to lift loads without touching the ceiling. There are three variants: No free lift: Forks and mast rise simultaneously. Partial free lift: A small free lift area is integrated. Full free lift function: Forks lift over a larger area independently of the mast – ideal for Indoor storage with low ceiling height . In short: Free lift = lifting without mast movement. Crucial when space is limited.

Q: What is meant by lifting capacity?

The Lifting capacity indicates how much weight a forklift, pallet truck or telehandler can safely lift – mostly in kilograms or tons specified. This is the maximum load capacity under optimal conditions , so: at vertical mast position at defined load center and on flat surface Important: The lifting force can reduce , if: the Lifting height increases the Load is extended sideways or forwards (e.g. telehandlers) or the Load center deviates from the ideal value

Q: What lifting height does a low-lift truck have?

A Low-lift truck lifts pallets only so far that they can be moved without ground clearance – typically the Lifting height approx. 12 to 20 cm . The exact lifting height depends on the model, but is the same for all low-lift trucks. ground-level lifting limited. It is not intended to lift loads to height , but for quick transport to storage areas, trucks or ramps. In short: Low-lift truck = low lifting height of max. 20 cm , ideal for the process, not for stacking.

Q: What are the dimensions of a Euro pallet for forklifts?

The standardized Euro pallet (type EUR 1) has the dimensions 1200 × 800 × 144 mm (Length × Width × Height). This dimension is exactly the Forks of commercially available forklifts and pallet trucks matched and forms the basis for transport, storage and logistics throughout Europe. Important: Tine insertion: lengthwise and crosswise possible Load capacity: usually up to 1500 kg dynamic load capacity Material: mostly solid wood, four-sided retractable In short: Euro pallet = 1200 × 800 mm – perfect for forklift and warehouse logistics.

Summary

The lifting height describes the maximum height to which a device can lift loads – measured from the ground to the top position of the fork or platform.It's a key value for forklifts, pallet trucks, and telehandlers, but on its own, it says little about their actual suitability for the application. What matters is whether the height is sufficient under real-world conditions—including pallet height, fork clearance, and safety clearance. For example, if you want to store items at a height of 4.80 m, you'll need significantly more than 5.00 m of lifting height. In addition, the higher the load is lifted, the lower the remaining load capacity often is—especially for devices with telescopic booms.

Therefore, when making a selection, it is not just the lifting height that counts, but also the interaction with the residual load capacity, reach and the conditions on site.The height of the device, for example, for low hall entrances or intermediate storage areas, can also be a limiting factor. Understanding these factors and taking them into account during planning ensures smooth processes – and avoids incorrect decisions that cost time and money.

Summary

Whether in a warehouse, construction site, or industrial environment – whenever loads need to be lifted, there's no getting around a lifting device. But which one is right for you? Sometimes the lifting height determines how far you can actually reach – and whether your job goes as planned or ends up being a failure.

In this article, you will learn what the lifting height means, how it differs between different types of devices, and which values are really relevant in practice.

What exactly is the lifting height?

The lifting height describes the maximum height to which a device can lift a load – measured from the ground to the top position of the forks or platform.

It is the central value when you work with a forklift, pallet truck or telehandler – because it determines whether you even reach your destination.

Remember : lifting height is not the same as working height .

Lifting height affects material and load movements (forklifts, telehandlers)
Working height means the height access for people (e.g. on work platforms) and is approximately 2 m above the platform height

Which devices offer which lifting height?

Here you can see the typical lifting heights in direct comparison – depending on the device type, including the area of application:

Device type	Lifting height	Typical areas of application
Hand pallet truck	up to 20 cm	Transport pallets at floor level
Scissor lift truck	up to approx. 80 cm	Ergonomic working on packing tables
High lift truck (manual/electric)	1.6 – 5.5 m	Storage, small shelves, picking
Electric forklift (standard)	2.5 – 6.0 m	Indoor areas, industry, warehouse logistics
reach truck	up to 12.0 m	High-bay warehouse with narrow aisles
Heavy-duty forklifts	up to 7.0 m	Transport of heavy loads in ports, industry
off-road forklift	4.0 – 6.0 m	Unpaved terrain, construction yards, outdoor areas
Telehandler (rigid)	6.0 – 20.0 m	Construction site, assembly, material handling
Telehandler (rotating)	18.0 – 40.0 m	Great heights with swivel arm, flexible inserts

What you need to consider when choosing the lifting height

The mere number on the data sheet isn't enough—the higher you lift, the more depends. Here are the most important practical factors:

Remaining load capacity at maximum lift

The higher you lift, the less load you can often move – especially with telehandlers or high-lift trucks.

→ Check the load diagram and do not just pay attention to the maximum load capacity.

Plan altitude reserves

If you store at 4.80 m, you need more than 5.00 m lifting height – because of pallet height, safety distance and fork play.

→ Rule of thumb: Allow 30–40 cm of reserve.

Note side projection

Especially with telehandlers, the load capacity decreases massively as soon as you want to work not only upwards but also forwards.

→ Reach = additional factor to the lifting height.

Don't forget the installation height

In halls or loading ramps, the clearance height often determines whether the device can be used at all.

→ Lifting height alone is not enough – check device dimensions.

Typical lifting heights depending on the application scenario

Application	Required lifting height
Moving pallets, storage space	up to 20 cm (pallet truck)
Ergonomic packing, lifting to working height	70 – 80 cm (scissor lift truck)
Storage on shelf levels up to 2.50 m	approx. 2.7 – 3.0 m
Medium height storage shelves	3.5 – 5.5 m
High-bay warehouse	from 7 m to 12 m
Construction site supply 2nd floor	approx. 8–10 m (telehandler)
Roof rafter height / industrial building	14–20 m (fixed or rotating telehandler)
Great heights with overhang (e.g. facade construction)	20–40 m (roto-telehandler)

Conclusion: The lifting height is crucial – but only in the right context

Lifting height alone isn't enough to tell you much – only the load capacity, reach, and dimensions of the device provide a clear picture. Knowing the location and precisely defining the requirements not only saves time, but also money and hassle.

Our tip:

Talk to us about your specific application. At BIBERGER , you won't get off-the-shelf devices, but rather devices tailored to your project – with proven performance, transparent advice, and truly accurate technical details.

About the author

Martin Biberger

Managing Director

Martin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thetechnical areaTogether with his team, he is responsible for thetechnical purchasingthe machines thatFurther development of the machine inventoryand the smooth operation of over 1,500 BIBERGER rental devices.

From many years of experience he knows theStrengths and weaknesses of all device classes, the possibleAreas of applicationand thetechnical possibilities– always with a view to theDevelopment of the entire industryand future innovations.

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The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.

Each article draws on real-world experience and is editorially reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and practical relevance according to expert criteria. Technical statements are regularly compared against current industry standards and best practices.

The aim of our publications is to make reliable specialist knowledge accessible and to offer guidance to users, decision-makers and industry partners. BIBERGER sees itself as an independent information platform for safe, economical and modern height access technology – well-founded, comprehensible and free from advertising influence.

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FAQ

What is the difference between an ant and a pallet truck?

The term"Ant"is acolloquial term for a pallet truckand originally comes fromBrand names of the company Jungheinrich.

Technically there is no difference:Both terms refer to aIndustrial truck for moving pallets at floor level.

Today, “ant” is oftenas a synonym for simple hand pallet trucksused – especially in warehousing and logistics.

Why is a pallet truck called an “ant”?

The name"Ant"originally comes fromBrand names of the company Jungheinrich, which launched one of the first pallet trucks under this name in the 1950s.

Because the device quickly spread and became typical for in-house pallet transport,“Ant” became the colloquial term for forklift trucks– similar to “Tempo” for paper tissues.

Today the term is mainly used forsimple hand pallet trucks without motorused.

What is the maximum height a pallet truck can lift?

Aclassic hand pallet truckusually lifts palletsup to approx. 20 cm– enough to move them close to the ground.

Scissor lift truckachieve significantly more and can carry loads onup to 80 cmlift – ideal for ergonomic working at table height.

Electric high lift truckseven achieve lifting heights ofup to 5.5 meters– and are therefore a space-saving alternative to forklifts in tight storage areas.

What are the forklifts for high racks called?

Forklifts designed for use in high racks are calledreach truckorHigh-bay stacker.

Thereach truckis the most common type and reachesLifting heights up to 12 meters– while at the same timecompact design and high maneuverability, ideal for narrow aisles in the warehouse.

Other variants areThree-way stackerornarrow aisle forkliftswhich are specifically used for automated high-bay warehouses.

How fast does a reach truck go?

Amodern reach truckDepending on the model and equipment, it reaches aDriving speed between 10 and 14 km/h– when unloaded.

Under load, the speed is usually8 to 12 km/h, toSecurity and stabilitywhen maneuvering in narrow aisles.

Many devices also have adjustable speed profiles – adapted toGround conditions, load weight and location.

What is the difference between a reach truck and a forklift?

The biggest difference lies in the structure and area of application:

Areach truckhas amovable mast, which when liftingextends forward and retracts when driving. This makes itparticularly compact and maneuverable– ideal fornarrow aisles and high shelves.

A classicForklift(e.g. front loader) has afixed mastand is usuallylarger, more robustand for theIndoor and outdoor usesuitable – especially forhigher load weight or uneven ground.

In short:

Reach truck = ideal for the warehouse

Forklifts = versatile on the depot or construction site

What does free lift mean on a forklift?

TheFree liftrefers to theHeight that the forks of a forklift can lift without the mast moving.

This is especially important inlow rooms or containerswhere the forklift is required to lift loads without touching the ceiling.

There are three variants:

No free lift:Forks and mast rise simultaneously.
Partial free lift:A small free lift area is integrated.
Full free lift function:Forks lift over a larger area independently of the mast – ideal forIndoor storage with low ceiling height.

In short:

Free lift = lifting without mast movement.Crucial when space is limited.

What is meant by lifting capacity?

TheLifting capacityindicateshow much weight a forklift, pallet truck or telehandler can safely lift– mostly inkilograms or tonsspecified.

This is themaximum load capacity under optimal conditions, so:

atvertical mast position
atdefined load center
and onflat surface

Important:

The lifting force canreduce, if:

theLifting height increases
theLoad is extended sideways or forwards(e.g. telehandlers)
or theLoad center deviates from the ideal value

What lifting height does a low-lift truck have?

ALow-lift trucklifts pallets only so far that theycan be moved without ground clearance– typically theLifting height approx. 12 to 20 cm.

The exact lifting height depends on the model, but is the same for all low-lift trucks.ground-level liftinglimited.

It is not intended to lift loads to height, but for quick transport to storage areas, trucks or ramps.

In short:

Low-lift truck = low lifting height of max. 20 cm, ideal for the process, not for stacking.

What are the dimensions of a Euro pallet for forklifts?

The standardizedEuro pallet (type EUR 1)has the dimensions1200 × 800 × 144 mm(Length × Width × Height).

This dimension is exactly theForks of commercially available forklifts and pallet trucks matchedand forms the basis for transport, storage and logistics throughout Europe.

Important:

Tine insertion:lengthwise and crosswise possible
Load capacity:usually up to 1500 kg dynamic load capacity
Material:mostly solid wood, four-sided retractable

In short: Euro pallet = 1200 × 800 mm – perfect for forklift and warehouse logistics.

Which unit is used for lifting force?

TheLifting capacityis usually inkilogram (kg)orTons (t)specified.

She describeswhat maximum weight a device such as a forklift, pallet truck or telehandler can safely lift.

Examples:

1,500 kg = 1.5 t
2,500 kg = 2.5 t
5,000 kg = 5.0 t

Important:The specified unit always applies under optimal conditions – with defined load distribution, lifting height and stable floor surface.

In short: lifting capacity is given in kilograms (kg) or tonnes (t) – depending on the load capacity of the device.

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