Craftsman Forklift Operator key terms

An imaginary triangle formed by the forklift's two front wheels and the pivot point of the steer axle. The combined center of gravity must stay inside it, or the truck tips over.

The horizontal distance from the vertical face of the forks to the center of gravity of the load. Rated capacity assumes a standard load center, usually 24 inches (600 mm).

The maximum load weight a forklift is designed to handle at a specified load center and lift height, shown on the data plate. Exceeding it causes instability and tip-over.

A permanent manufacturer's label on the forklift listing model, serial number, rated capacity, load center, and attachment information. It must be legible and match the truck's configuration.

The turning effect of a load, calculated as weight multiplied by distance from the fulcrum. A heavier load or one carried farther out increases load moment and reduces safe capacity.

The single point representing the average position of the truck's weight and the load's weight together. It shifts when loads are lifted, tilted, or carried off-center.

Heavy metal mass built into the rear of a counterbalanced forklift. It offsets the forward tipping force of a load on the forks and is essential to stability.

Reducing a forklift's rated capacity because of an attachment, non-standard load center, high lift, or special configuration. A new capacity plate must reflect the reduced rating.

Devices such as clamps, rotators, or extenders fitted to the carriage instead of standard forks. They change capacity, dimensions, and handling behavior and require updated ratings.

The moving frame on the mast that holds the forks or attachment and slides up and down. Inspect it for cracks, bent bars, and worn rollers during pre-operation checks.

The vertical assembly of rails and hydraulic cylinders that raises and lowers the carriage. Check chains, hoses, and rails for damage and ensure chains are evenly tensioned.

The height the forks can rise before the mast's inner section begins to extend. Low free lift matters when entering trailers or areas with limited overhead clearance.

A protective roof structure over the operator compartment that shields against falling objects. It must be in place and undamaged whenever the forklift is operated.

An extension above the carriage that prevents the load from shifting backward toward the mast and operator. It should be tall enough for the loads being handled.

A seat belt or similar device that keeps the operator inside the protective compartment during a tip-over. Wearing it is required and prevents being crushed by the guard.

A sensor in the operator seat that detects whether someone is properly seated. It may disable travel or hydraulics when the operator leaves the seat.

A loss of stability in which the forklift falls sideways or forward. Staying restrained in the seat and leaning away from the fall direction reduces injury risk.

A documented check of the forklift before each shift covering tires, fluids, forks, mast, brakes, lights, horn, and safety devices. Defects must be reported and the truck taken out of service until repaired.

A marker attached to a forklift found unsafe during inspection to show it must not be used. Only authorized maintenance staff remove it after repairs are completed.

The physical circuit an operator makes around the forklift during pre-operation checks, examining tires, hoses, chains, and body damage from all sides before mounting.

A procedure that isolates energy sources and applies locks and tags before maintenance, preventing accidental startup or release of stored energy such as raised forks or pressurized hydraulics.

Disconnecting and securing all power sources, including batteries, propane valves, and hydraulic pressure, before servicing equipment. It protects workers from unexpected movement or release.

The pump, cylinders, hoses, and fluid that lift the mast and tilt the carriage. Leaks, damaged hoses, or low fluid cause loss of control and must be corrected before use.

The quantities of engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and fuel or battery electrolyte checked during inspection. Low or contaminated fluids signal leaks or needed maintenance.

Recharging an electric forklift's battery in a ventilated area, following procedures to avoid hydrogen ignition, acid burns, and electrical shock. Charging areas need eyewash and no open flames.

Air movement that removes harmful gases. It is required when charging batteries, which release hydrogen, and when running internal combustion forklifts indoors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

A pressurized fuel container for LP-gas forklifts. It must be secured in the bracket, with the valve closed when parked, and changed only by trained personnel in a safe area.

Adding diesel, gasoline, or propane to a forklift using safe procedures: engine off, no smoking or open flames, spill control, and bonding where required. Spills are cleaned immediately.

A colorless, odorless gas produced by internal combustion engines. It causes headaches and collapse, so engine-powered forklifts must not run in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

Any person on foot in the work area, including workers, visitors, and customers. Operators must yield to pedestrians, maintain eye contact, and stop when they are near the travel path.

An area the operator cannot see directly, especially behind the forklift and around tall loads. Operators should use mirrors, slow down, and sound the horn before reversing.

A trained person who guides the operator through blind or congested areas using agreed hand signals. The operator stops if the spotter is out of view.

Prearranged gestures used between operators and spotters or signalers. They must be clear, agreed before the move, and never ambiguous; the operator follows only one signaler.

The rule that determines who moves first at intersections, doorways, and aisles. Forklifts generally yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles, and follow posted site traffic rules.

A site layout that separates forklift routes from pedestrian walkways using marked lanes, barriers, crossings, and signage. It reduces collisions and keeps movement predictable.

The maximum permitted travel speed, set by site rules or signage. Operators must slow for corners, wet floors, blind intersections, and areas where pedestrians are present.

Applying brakes gradually and early to avoid sudden stops that shift loads, cause tip-over, or spill cargo. It is especially important with tall or unstable loads.

The condition of a load that is balanced, secured, and properly positioned on the forks. Unstable loads can shift, fall, or tip the forklift during travel or lifting.

The safe posture for moving with a load: forks low, usually 4 to 6 inches above the floor, mast tilted back slightly, and load close to the truck. It lowers the center of gravity.

Moving on an incline with the load uphill and the forks pointed up the slope. It prevents the load from sliding off and keeps the forklift's center of gravity lower.

A portable steel ramp placed between a truck trailer and a loading dock. It must be secured and rated for the load, and operators should confirm it is properly seated before crossing.

A device that locks a trailer to the dock to prevent it from moving away during loading. Operators verify engagement before entering and use wheel chocks where required.

Entering a truck trailer to load or unload. Operators check the floor for weakness, confirm the trailer is restrained, ensure adequate lighting, and watch overhead clearance.

Recognizing conditions that could cause harm, such as spills, poor lighting, obstructions, damaged racking, or blind corners. Workers report and control hazards before proceeding.

An event that could have caused injury or damage but did not. Near misses are reported so root causes can be corrected before a serious accident occurs.

A written record of an accident, injury, or near miss describing what happened, when, who was involved, and contributing conditions. It supports investigation and prevention.

The underlying reason an incident occurred, such as a missing guard, inadequate training, or poor layout, rather than the immediate action. Correcting it prevents recurrence.

A portable device for fighting small fires, rated by class. Operators should know its location and the PASS technique: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.

A control or action that immediately halts the forklift or its functions in danger. Operators must know its location and use it without hesitation.

A control that stops movement or hydraulic action when the operator releases it. It prevents runaway travel if the operator becomes incapacitated or leaves the seat.

The most common forklift design, using rear counterweight to balance a front load. It is suited to many tasks but has a larger turning radius than reach trucks.

A narrow-aisle forklift whose forks extend forward on a moving carriage to reach racking. Operators must account for the changing load center as the reach extends.

The status of a forklift that is unsafe or defective and must not be operated. It is tagged, parked safely, and reported so repairs can be made before return to use.

A mirror mounted to improve visibility behind the forklift, especially when reversing. Mirrors supplement, but do not replace, turning the head and checking blind spots.

The load-bearing tines that slide under a pallet or load. Inspect them for cracks, bends, and wear at the heel, and ensure they are locked in the carriage.