A forklift, also known as a lift truck, forklift truck, or simply forklift, is a powered industrial vehicle used to lift and transport heavy materials over short distances. Forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and other industrial settings to move, stack, and organize various loads. They are essential for efficiently handling palletized goods, heavy equipment, and materials.

Key components of a forklift include:

Forks: These are the two pronged arms at the front of the forklift that can be raised and lowered to slide under loads such as pallets or other materials.

Mast: The vertical assembly on the forklift that allows the forks to be raised and lowered. It may include one or more stages (single, double, triple) to achieve different lift heights.

Counterweight: Typically located at the rear of the forklift, the counterweight balances the load and the weight of the forklift itself to ensure stability.

Operator’s Compartment: The area where the operator sits or stands to control the forklift. This compartment contains the steering wheel, pedals, levers, and other controls.

Power Source: Forklifts are typically powered by electric batteries, internal combustion engines (usually running on propane, gasoline, diesel, or compressed natural gas), or in some cases, hybrid power systems.

Forklifts come in various types, including sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and more, each designed for specific tasks and environments. The choice of forklift type depends on the specific requirements of the job, such as the weight and dimensions of the loads being handled and the available workspace.

Every forklift operator in New York and the United States needs to be properly trained by OSHA standards. Having untrained and uncertified employees operating forklifts can result in large OSHA fines, and it happens more often than you think.