Parts of a Forklift


Locating the common parts of a forklift is vital to make certain that your operators are reliably using equipment as intended in a safe manner. The following list of forklift terminology will help to ensure all associates are prepared to use the equipment effectively and identify the forklift parts that require the attention of a maintenance technician.

Parts of a Forklift
Parts of a Forklift

Forklift parts name


If you could list the most essential forklift components, what would they be? Every part of a forklift is “important” in some way, but which ones really stand out? Certain forklift parts and functions are designed to maintain the safety of the equipment and to help prevent malfunctions that can lead to severe accidents.

  • tires
  • frame
  • counterweight
  • cab
  • fuel
  • main lift cylinder
  • mast
  • carriage
  • load backrest
  • attachments
Forklift Components
Parts of a Forklift

Forklift parts and functions

Forklift tires

Tires: There are many types of tires available, both for indoor and outdoor use*, but not all tires are made the same. It is important to consult with a tire expert who can make sure that the correct rubber compound and traction pattern are used. Then you must check to make sure you are not being sold recycled tires or cheaper versions made overseas.

Forklift frame


Counterweight forklift

Counterweight – is a mass attached to the rear of the forklift truck frame. The purpose of the counterweight is to counterbalance the load being lifted. In an electric forklift, the large lead-acid battery itself may serve as part of the counterweight.

Forklift overhead guard


Forklift main lift cylinder


Cab forklift

Cab: is the area that contains a seat for the operator along with the control pedals, steering wheel, levers, switches and a dashboard containing operator readouts. The cab area may be open-air or enclosed but it is covered by the cage-like overhead guard assembly. When enclosed, the cab may also be equipped with a cab heater for cold climate countries along with a fan or air conditioning for hot weather.

Forklift mast


The mast is driven hydraulically, and operated by one or more hydraulic cylinders directly or using chains from the cylinder/s. It may be mounted to the front axle or the frame of the forklift. A ‘container mast’ variation allows the forks to raise a few meters without increasing the total height of the forklift. This is useful when double-loading pallets into a container or under a mezzanine floor.

Forklift components

Each part and component on a counterbalanced forklift is designed to perform a specific job and the safe operation of a forklift includes the operator understanding its moving parts, capabilities, and limitations.

Forklift carriage


Forklift load backrest


Attachments forklift

Attachments: may consists of a mechanism which is attached to the carriage, either permanently or temporarily, to help in the proper engagement of the load. A variety of material handling attachments are available. Some attachments include side shifters, slip sheet attachments, carton clamps, multipurpose clamps, rotators, fork positioners, carpet poles, pole handlers, container handlers and roll clamps.

Forklift forks

The forks are long extensions (like arms) that are attached to the carriage. They are used to support the load from the bottom. They come in a variety of widths and adjust from right to left on the carriage.

Forklift Power Source

Power Source: may consist of an internal combustion engine that can be powered by LP gas, CNG gas, gasoline or diesel fuel. Electric forklifts are powered by either a battery or fuel cells that provide power to the electric motors. The electric motors used on a forklift may be either DC or AC types.

Components and parts of forklift

What are the three major parts of a forklift?

The three major parts of a lift truck are the body (truck), overhead guard, and hydraulic lift.

What are the prongs on a forklift called?

Forks, Also known as the tynes, the forks on a forklift are used to make direct contact with a load for transport. They are attached to the forklift carriage and are designed to carry a load from the bottom.

What are forklifts made of?

The technological advances in the forklift have made the forklift truck one of the most vital components of today’s speedy material handling industry. The welding robots used to assemble these forklift trucks are top-notch and produce an incredibly sound structure. First, the body is constructed from steel and painted.

What is the mast on a forklift?

Also referred to as an ‘Upright’, the mast is the vertical assembly on the front of the forklift that does the work of raising, lowering, and tilting the load. Most masts are ‘three stages’ meaning there are three channels on each side.

How heavy is a forklift?

The average automobile weighs approximately 3,000 lbs and the average forklift weighs close to 9,000 lbs. Also, forklifts are heavier in the rear to counter the weight of items being carried in the forks.

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