Forklift Jargon Buster

Forklift spec sheets are full of terms that mean nothing if you don't work with these machines every day. This page explains the common ones in plain English, with diagrams where they help, so you can read a quote with confidence, whatever your job title.

Reading A Forklift Spec Sheet

What is load centre?

What's the difference between rated capacity and maximum capacity?

What's the difference between lift height and closed height?

What is turning radius?

What is aisle width?

What's the difference between a ride-on and a pedestrian forklift?

What's the difference between a counterbalance, reach truck, and stacker?

What's the difference between an open or closed bottom pallet, and does it matter which forklift I use?

The Mast & Lifting Bit

What is a mast?

What is a duplex mast?

What is a triplex mast?

What is free lift, and what is a free lift mast?

What is side-shift?

What does fork length mean, and does it matter?

What is tilt?

What's the difference between lift speed and lowering speed?

Power & Running Costs

What's the difference between an electric, LPG, and diesel forklift?

What type of battery does an electric forklift use, and does it matter?

How long does an electric forklift take to charge?

Does my electric forklift need three-phase power?

What is gradeability?

What is service weight?

Safety & Compliance

What is LOLER, and what does "LOLER certified" mean?

What is anti-roll, and what is curve control?

What is the blue safety light for?

What does CE marking mean?