In today's construction and manufacturing industries, the lift truck is a vital tool. The companies that utilize forklifts will know their significance, their functional requirements, and the safety issues involved in lift truck applications. Forklifts are a great investment which will increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Significance
Forklifts are a very efficient way to transport goods. They are a modern way to move goods and supplies in various settings. Forklifts are used to move things which are heavy and bulky that would otherwise need to be moved by hand in smaller units.

Function
The racks of the lift truck can usually reach as high as 9 to 12 meters allowing for the efficient use of maximum storage capacity in numerous warehouse or retail stores. The forks move down and up by a telescopic hydraulic cylinder on the lift truck mast. Different sets of hydraulic cylinders are utilized to tilt the mast and shift it to the side, for positioning. A telescopic hydraulic cylinder is an attachment that allows an even higher lift utilizing a hydraulic cylinder system that functions a lot like a telescope. Every section slides inside the other like sections of a telescope.

Features
Control levers help to lift the forks up and down, side shift and tilt. The driver pulls back on the down and up lever to raise the forks, pushing the lever forward will lower the forks. Tilt the load back by pulling back the lever, push it forward to tilt the load forward. The side shift lever controls the forks left and right movement. Unlike cars, forklifts steer from the rear tires. This permits the lift truck to turn in a very small radius. The forward and reverse controls of the transmission are located on the steering column.