The load backrest is a very important part of any forklift. The lift cylinders are responsible for hydraulically controlling the raising and lowering of the mast. Need help choosing the best forklift for your application? Contact your local forklift dealer for assistance. Forklifts can be customized based on your application, but we hope this glossary provides you with a better understanding of the basics. This is just an intro to forklift terminology. These are forks that lock into the carriage and hook over the bars. Some forks will fall under the classification of 'hook forks'. Essentially, it refers to the forklift’s ability to lift its forks without raising the mast.

This term refers to the amount of vertical movement that a forklift is capable of before additional mast channels are engaged. Class VII - forklifts designed for rugged, outdoor usage.Class VI - electric and internal combustion tow tractors.Class V - internal combustion trucks with pneumatic tires.Class IV - internal combustion trucks with solid/cushion tires.

Class III - electric hand trucks, hand trucks, rider trucks.

Class II - electric narrow aisle trucks.

Fork truck classifications for class I through class VII are listed below: Cushion TiresĬushion tires are forklift tires designed to be used in indoor applications with flat and even surfaces.įorklifts are categorized into their classifications by a variety of factors by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It refers to the forklift's support structure, in front of the mast, where the actual forks are mounted. CarriageĬarriage is one of the more frequent terms used, as it relates to forklifts. The capacity is a rating given to determine the amount of weight that can be lifted to a specific load height at a specific load center. When choosing a forklift, whether for purchase or rental, it is very important to be aware of its capacity. Fortunately, batteries and battery types can be easily identified using a battery model identification code, which is expressed as battery style, number of cells, cell Amp/hr., number of plates, cell arrangement, special features, sequential letters (if needed) and paint codes. Knowing the specific dimensions can be important when choosing a forklift that is suitable for your needs, space and specific application.Įvery electric forklift operates using a battery, and it’s important to know the type of battery needed for your specific forklift. The compartment can vary greatly in size and are typically measured using the length of the compartment multiplied by the width and the height (L x W x H). The battery compartment is the area of the forklift that holds the battery or batteries. It represents the maximum amount of energy (typically measured in Amp-hours) that can be extracted from the battery during operation. This term is a measure of the charge stored by the forklift's batteries. To help, we’ve provided this glossary of common forklift terms. If you are a seasoned veteran, it is still important to familiarize yourself with forklift terminology and definitions for training purposes. If you are new to the forklift industry, forklift terminology may seem confusing at times.

Forklift mast height