Most people have seen a forklift truck in action but few know what it is, how and why forklifts are used, or who keeps them running. Here is some information about the history, design and use of forklifts.

What is a forklift? It is a powered industrial truck that is a mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials. Powered industrial trucks are more commonly known as pallet trucks, rider trucks, forktrucks or lifttrucks, can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator. They can be powered through electric or combustion engines and designed for a variety of applications.

Forklifts are named for the L-shaped "forks" typically used to lift shipping pallets, but they can be outfitted with different accessories for picking up spools, drums, or other specific loads.

A forklift is a vehicle that can be used to pick up, move and place objects. It’s a machine that allows workers to quickly and easily transport items around warehouses and factories. For years, forklifts have been used in distribution centers all over the world to move products, components and materials between storage areas, warehouses, production lines and delivery trucks.

It is a powered industrial truck that is a mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials. Powered industrial trucks are more commonly known as pallet trucks, rider trucks, forktrucks or lifttrucks, can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator. They can be powered through electric or combustion engines and designed for a variety of applications.

They are available for both indoor and outdoor applications and can carry loads of 3,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs or more. A forklift is a tool that allows one operator to lift and move large loads. It is best known for its ability to raise and lower heavy objects, such as pallets of products or parts into place vertically. However, there are other uses for the forklift truck.

The forklift is one of the workhorses of modern industry. Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and lumber yards depend on forklifts of many types and sizes to keep their operations running smoothly. Other businesses only need a forklift to unload deliveries for an hour or two a day. Either way, having a forklift that can perform well for your specific needs is important.

There are eight classes of forklifts.

Class I forklifts are electric-motor rider trucks, either stand-up operator or seated three-wheel units. Rider units are counterbalanced and may have cushion or pneumatic wheels.

Class II forklifts are electric-motor trucks for narrow aisle or inventory stock/order picking applications. They may have extra reach or swing-mast functions.

Class III forklifts are electric-motor trucks, either walk-behind or standing-rider operated. Automated pallet lift-trucks and high lift models are often counterbalanced.

Class IV forklifts are rider fork trucks, with cabs and seated controls, internal combustion engines, and solid or "cushion" tires.

Class V forklifts are rider fork trucks, with cabs and seated controls, internal combustion engines, and pneumatic tires. Like Class IV forklifts, they are typically counterbalanced.

Class VI forklifts are sit-down rider, tow tractor lifts. They are supplied with electric or internal combustion engines.

Class VII forklifts are designed for use on rough terrain. Typical applications include agriculture, logging and construction.

Class VIII forklifts include all personnel and burden carriers.