Equipment Knowledge
This part of a forklift allows it to lift the load.
The forks
This must always be closed and locked before raising a scissor lift platform.
The entry gate (or mid-rail gate).
If a forklift won’t start, one of the first things to check is this.
The battery or fuel supply.
Designed to safely move oversized items like lumber, pipe, or steel, this attachment replaces forks entirely with a long, pole-like projection.
A carpet pole.
This abbreviation stands for “Personal Protective Equipment” that operators must wear.
PPE
This forklift power source uses a tank mounted to the rear of the machine.
Propane (LP tank)
Forklifts should never be driven with a raised load because it increases this risk.
Tipping over (or loss of stability)
A forklift vibrates when lifting a load. What are two simple things to check for?
The load weight or/and if it’s balanced properly.
This attachment keeps loose materials like gravel or sand from spilling off forklift forks.
A bucket attachment
his nickname is often used for a scissor lift with narrow tires that can be used indoors.
A slim scissor or narrow scissor lift.
On a scissor lift, these extendable parts increase the platform’s working area.
The deck extension (or platform extension).
On scissor lifts and boom lifts, this feature prevents the platform from collapsing if a hydraulic line fails.
An emergency lowering valve (or velocity fuse).
During pre-operation inspection in freezing weather, a scissor lift’s tilt sensor alarm is triggered even on level ground. What’s a likely reason?
Frost, condensation, or ice on the sensor affecting its readings.
This attachment kit for a boom lift lets workers safely handle and install large panes of glass at height.
A glazier kit (Glass Package)
A boom lift is sometimes called this, referencing its extendable arm that can reach over obstacles.
A cherry picker or knuckle boom.
This type of forklift is designed for tight aisles and can rotate its forks 90 degrees.
A narrow aisle reach truck.
This safety feature on a scissor lift automatically engages when the platform is elevated.
The pothole protection system.
Forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts all experience erratic operation if these routine maintenance tasks are neglected.
Hydraulic fluid replacement, lubrication, and general preventive maintenance.
Excavators use this type of attachment to break through concrete.
A hydraulic breaker (or hammer)
Operators sometimes call the guardrails around a lift platform this slang word.
A cage.
This type of boom lift uses four outriggers for stabilization and can fold up small enough for doorway access.
An atrium lift (also called a compact crawler lift or spider boom).
This forklift component located behind the operator provides stability for heavy loads.
The counterweight.
While driving a forklift indoors, the operator notices the battery drains unusually fast. What are three potential causes?
Improper charging, excessive load, or electrical system fault.
This forklift attachment uses two hydraulic arms to squeeze and lift pallet-less loads like cartons and appliances.
A box (or carton) clamp.
This nickname is sometimes used for a rotating boom lift on a construction site.
Cherry Picker, Man Lift, Boom Lift