Understanding standard forklift terminology is surprisingly important, regardless of whether you’re new to the field or if you want to review your material handling expertise. It’s very common to become overwhelmed by the high amounts of technical words, acronyms, and component names.
The most crucial forklift words are explained in plain, easy-to-understand language in this A-Z reference.
A – Attachment
Any additional equipment mounted to the forklift, such as clamps, rotators, booms, or fork extensions.
B – Backrest
The vertical guard on the carriage that prevents loads from falling back toward the operator.
C – Counterbalance
The large weight at the rear of the forklift that prevents it from tipping when lifting loads.
D – Data Plate
A vital safety plate showing the forklift’s rated capacity, load centre, model, and other specifications.
E – Electric Forklift
A truck powered by a battery instead of diesel or LPG. Quiet, emission-free, and ideal for indoor use.
F – Forks
The horizontal tines used to lift and carry pallets and materials.
G – Ground Clearance
The distance between the ground and the lowest point on the forklift.
H – Hydraulics
The system which is responsible for raising, lowering, and tilting the mast and forks.
I – Internal Combustion (IC) Truck
A forklift powered by diesel, LPG, or petrol.
J – Jib Attachment
A crane-like arm used for lifting loads that cannot be carried on standard forks.
K – Key Switch
The ignition used to start the forklift. Some modern trucks use fobs or PIN systems instead.
L – Load Centre
The distance from the fork face to the load’s centre of gravity. Critical for determining safe lifting capacity.
M – Mast
The vertical assembly that raises and lowers the forks. Can be simplex, duplex, or triplex.
N – Non-Marking Tyres
Tyres which are designed to avoid leaving marks on warehouse floors.
O – Overhead Guard
The metal roof structure protecting the operator from falling objects.
P – Pallet
A platform often used for storing and moving goods with a forklift, it tends to be wooden.
Q – Quick Release
A mechanism which allows for fast attachment changes.
R – Reach Truck
A specialist forklift designed for narrow aisles with an extending mast.
S – Side Shift
An attachment that allows the forks to move left or right without moving the truck.
T – Tilt
The forward/backward movement of the mast to stabilise or position loads.
U – Uptime
The period during which a forklift is operational and available for use.
V – Visibility
A key safety factor, refers to how well the operator is able to see around the forklift.
W – Weight Capacity
The maximum weight that a forklift truck can safely lift.
X – X-Series (or manufacturer-specific ranges)
Many brands tend to name their newest generation of forklifts using something like X-series or a similar designation.
Y – Yard Truck
A heavy-duty forklift designed for outdoor use, often diesel-powered.
Z – Zero Emissions
Used to describe electric forklifts that produce no exhaust emissions.
Knowing the right forklift terminology and when to use it will improve communication between yourself and an operator, strengthen safety in the workplace and will help when it comes to selecting new equipment. It can also make servicing and maintenance easier and will ensure compliance within regulations!
When everyone understands the same terminology, operations become more safe, efficient and consistent for everyone involved.
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