Top 10 Forklift and Material Handling Articles of 2025

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our customers in Washington state and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Your interest in building safer, efficient operations inspires the content we create. 

For many of you, 2025 was a year of adaptation. We noticed a lot of clicks on articles about:

• Forklift attachments and modifications
• Forklift alternatives
• Fleet optimization

Read on for a list of our top 10 most-read articles in 2025, and what it means for 2026.

10. Doosan Is Now Bobcat: The Evolution of How We Got Here

A little over a year ago, Doosan Bobcat purchased Doosan Industrial Vehicle from Doosan Infracore. Doosan’s forklifts now have the Bobcat color scheme and branding, but the quality is the same, and we will continue to service and repair Daewoo and Doosan forklifts. Learn more about how Doosan forklifts became Bobcat forklifts.

9. Order Pickers Vs. Reach Trucks, What’s the Difference?

From a distance, order pickers and reach trucks look similar. But when you see them in action, the difference is obvious. Order pickers lift the operator and the load simultaneously, whereas a reach truck is similar to a stand-up forklift. 

That said, reach trucks have something forklifts don’t: a pantograph that can reach into double-deep racks. Learn more about the difference between order pickers and reach trucks.

8. Top 4 Alternatives to Forklifts

If you’re using your forklift to move cargo from one part of your facility to another, there's less-expensive equipment that can do the same job. Tow tractors and electric pallet jacks, for example. These machines cost much less than a forklift and don’t require a special license to operate. Learn more about affordable forklift alternatives.

7. Reach Truck vs Forklift: What’s the Difference?

A reach truck is a forklift, but it has a special ability. A reach truck can extend its forks horizontally using a hydraulic device called a pantograph. The pantograph mounts between the forks and the mast and allows the truck to reach deep into racks to retrieve pallets. Read more about the difference between reach trucks and traditional forklifts.

6. How Many Forklifts Do I Need?

A common question we get asked is, “How many forklifts do I really need?” Experienced pros call it, "right-sizing your fleet."

Whatever you call it, the key is accurately calculating your forklift utilization. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as: we run a single-shift operation, so our utilization is eight hours per day.  Read more about how to calculate your forklift utilization and the cost-saving benefits of doing so.

5. How Much Does a Forklift Cost?

If you’re looking at new forklifts for sale in Washington state, you’ve probably seen prices ranging from $20,000–$50,000. That’s a big spread! 

If you’ve ever wondered why one forklift can cost twice as much as another, read about the top five factors that determine how much a forklift costs.

4. Forklift Mast Height - Know Before You Buy

Simplex vs. duplex, limited vs. full free lift…forklift masts have a lot of specialized terminology. More than 900 people read our forklift mast explainer post in 2025, so if you’re confused about these terms, you’re not alone. 

Here's a quick overview of forklift masts, but you can also contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable forklift experts. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. 

3. Forklift Attachments: What does OSHA say? 

Forklift attachments can instantly boost productivity and reduce product damage. But they also change the forklift’s load capacity and center of balance. That’s why OSHA has specific regulations, including three key requirements, about adding attachments to your forklift. Here’s what you need to know about OSHA’s requirements for forklift attachments.

2. Forklift Modifications and OSHA - What You Need to Know

Adding a forklift attachment (see above) is one type of forklift modification. Others include:

• Drilling or cutting into the overhead guard or hood
• Switching from cushion to pneumatic tires (or vice versa)
• Adding longer forks 
• Swapping counterweights
• Any changes that affect the operator’s visibility

Our Forklift Modifications: What You Need to Know article was read by more than 2500 people in 2025. It covers ANSI and OSHA rules for modifying your forklift, plus do's and don’ts and other important info.

1. How to Read a Forklift Load Capacity Chart

Our most popular article of 2025, with more than 3300 views, was how to read a forklift capacity chart. This diagram is found on the forklift’s data plate, which we also explain in detail.

What the Most-Read Articles from 2025 Suggest About 2026

A quick look at the most-read articles from 2025 suggests that fleet managers and business owners may be exploring ways to improve productivity without necessarily buying a new forklift. It’s just a guess. But if margins are slim, routine service and planned maintenance are the best way to maximize the lifespan of your equipment.

From all of us at Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling, sincere thanks for your business. We look forward to serving you in 2026 and beyond.

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

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