A counterbalance truck (CB for short) is an industrial vehicle designed to carry and stack loads. It is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor and equipped with a material handling system (mast, forks, etc.) that allows it to handle loads. Counterbalance trucks carry their loads in the front.

They get their name from the counterweight placed at the back of the truck, preventing it from tipping forward during operation. This position allows various attachments and options, making the trucks versatile.

Counterbalance trucks offer good driving and load handling speeds, maneuverability, and gradeability. Counterbalance trucks can have either air-filled (pneumatic) or cushion tires. This enables them to handle uneven surfaces making them operable indoors and outdoors.

The need for a counterweight makes counterbalance trucks heavy. They also tend to be larger than other trucks, giving them a wider turning radius. The load is handled outside the truck's pivot, which increases the risk of instability if not appropriately handled.