Lingo Used by Fork Lift Users

Adjustable Forks – Lift truck equipment that move left and right for narrower or wider loads.

Battery Charging Station – Refueling area of an electric powered lift truck.

Capacity Plate – A metal plaque attached to the fork lift in which the details such as lift capacity of the forklift is written.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) - Relatively clean fuel evaporating in the atmosphere rather quickly when exposed to air.

Cushion Tires - Solid rubber tires used indoors.

Data Plate – Same as capacity plate.

Dual Steer – Enables operator to control movement of the truck from the front or the rear.

Electric Lift Trucks – Trucks used indoors due to clean fuel.  Have longer lifespan than IC trucks due to few moving and replaceable parts.

Extendable Forks – A tool installed in lift trucks to carry more material. Used also for double-deep loading.

Fork Positioner – Enables the operator to be on the truck while manipulating the forks.  Best for handling various crate and pallet sizes.

Internal Combustion Lift Trucks (IC) - Lift trucks that run on petroleum based fuel.

Lead-acid Battery – Batteries used by electric powered lift trucks.

Load Capacity - The maximum allowable weight considered safe to move lift trucks can carry. 

Narrow Aisle (NA) Lift Trucks - Electric lift trucks capable of navigating aisles eight to ten feet wide.

Operator Platform - Platforms that give a better view and control of loads 20 to 30 feet up.

Optical Systems – Also called wire guidance systems. Is used to enable lift trucks to travel on a straight path to allow the operator to pick and place loads.

OSHA - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Formulates the guidelines for lift truck education operation and licensing.

Pneumatic Tires - Rubber tires used by lift trucks on rough roads.

Preventative Maintenance (PM) Plan - A warranty given by the dealer for tune-ups and transmission services.

Quad Motion – Term referring to the lift trucks ability to maneuver front to back and side to side.

Roll Clamp – A tool attached to lift trucks enabling it to move paper or carpet rolls.

Rough Terrain Lift Trucks – Internal combustion powered lift trucks used in rough surfaces capable of handling heavy loads.

Side Loading Lift Trucks – Lift trucks with forks set at a 90 degree angle enabling loading pallets 90 degrees to the lift truck's movement.

Sideshift - A lift truck option allowing the driver to move the fork carriage left and right without moving the vehicle.

Solid Pneumatic Tires – A tire made of slid rubber used for roads with sharp protruding objects.

Support Legs – A device to prevent shaking by the lift truck while doing lifts at high places.

Swing Mast – Similar to side loading lift trucks but forks are permanently set at 90 degrees.

Swing Reach – An attachment for filling and storing pallet loads.

Tilt Mast – A device to change the fork angles.  

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Lift Trucks – Also called turret truck. Lift trucks capable of navigating aisles that are six feet wide.

Zero Emissions – An engine that does not use petroleum based fuel. 

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