Forklifts often times known by other names including lift truck, stacker truck, trailer loader, sideloader, high/low, or simply “lift”. These vehicles are either electric or engine powered and used mainly to lift and transport materials. The forklift was invented in the 1920’s and although the technology has advanced over the years, the overall look, feel, and purpose of the forklift has stayed the same. Forklifts are most often used in the manufacturing and warehouse settings.

The most popular type of forklifts from smallest to largest are as follows: hand pallet truck, low lift truck, rider low lift truck, walkie stacker, rider stacker, reach truck, electric counterbalanced truck, sideloader, walkie order picking truck, rider order picking truck, and truck mounted units.

The low lift truck is one of the most common as it is used to transport pallets. The reach truck design is considered a small forklift, but its compact size makes it perfect for small aisles in store or warehouse settings.

Every forklift is load rated at a specific maximum weight. It is important for operators to remember that loads must not exceed this limit. Due to a rear wheel drive setup, it can be difficult to get used to driving a forklift because it differs from other engineering vehicles (those that are front or all wheel drive).

The cost of a forklift varies based on the type, condition, and manufacturer. Take for instance the industry standard 5,000 pound electric forklift. Most of these cost between $18k and $25k brand new. As you move up in size, price increases as well. A 10,000 pound capacity lift generally starts at $30,000. If you go to the high end of the marketplace, you will easily find forklifts that retail for more than $100k.

A basic forklift consists of several components:

1. Frame. This is the main part of a forklift, and the area that axles, mast, counterweight, wheels, and power source are attached.

2. Counterweight. Most forklifts have a counterweight that is designed to balance the load that is being lifted.

3. Cab. This is the area in which the operator is seated. In addition to a seat, it also houses the dashboard, pedals, levers, and steering wheel.

4. Overhead Guard. This is used to protect the operator from anything that could possibly fall from above them.

5. Power. Forklifts are powered by either battery or an internal combustion engine that runs on gas or diesel fuel.

6. Mast. This can be considered the most “used” part of a forklift because it does the lifting and lowering.

7. Carriage. The forks that do the lifting and loading are attached to the carriage. The carriage can move up and down the mast.

8. Attachments. Many attachments can be used on a forklift including: sideshifters, carton clamps, slipsheets, clamps, carpet poles, roll clamps, and container handlers among others.