What is a forkliftForklifts (also lift truck, forklift truck or side loader) are industrial trucks for transportation and lifting of materials. Forklifts are mainly used to lift or move pallets in manufacturing or warehousing operations. Forklifts can be propelled by electric or combustion engine. They are classified by their lifting height and maximum lifting capacity. The standard lifting capacity of a typical warehouse forklift ist between 1 to 5 tons. Forklifts for special applications, like container handling or all-terrain forklifts may reach a loading capacity up to 50 tons. The most important part of the forklift is the mast with the lifting carriage and the two forks.