Every part of forklifts is designed for a specific purpose. Their placement is an modern art of engineering. The type of equipment to provide load handling solutions must be selected according to the wished working requirement. Therefore, by knowing its parts you can make more informed decisions.
Mast
Mast is a set of masts and pistons that lift loads in forklifts. Masts are parts commonly used by forklifts, except in case of ITA Class III and Class VI which have no lifting.
Forklift mast can be :
- Channel Mast
- Extensible Mast (boom lift)
- Articulated Boom (folding)
- Single Mast
The most common forklift mast is the channel mast and it can be: simple, duplex, triplex, quad and even quintuple mast according to the number of sections forming the lifting.
Extensible and articled masts are most commonly used in aerial platforms and all-terrain Telehandlers (class VII forklift).
Single mast is a vertical version of extensible masts, which is not commonly used due to its complex maintenance.
|
Channel Mast Parts
Channels (sections) Channel rail Fork Carriage Fork Safety Fork |
Mast Nomenclature
Forks
Forks are forklift parts which lift loads, basically there are 3 types depending on how it is attached to forklifts:
ITA classification for clip or hooks forks assembly
ITA has a classification for hook fork assembly according to equipment capacity and fork size, to fulfill ITA specifications, trucks must comply with size required and 20° assembly angle.
![]() |
Fork-Carriage Truck
Another forklift part is the fork carriage track, fork carriage, truck height is classified according to ITA classification. In addition to regular fork carriages, you can add accessories to change fork carriage structure, most commonly known as “False fork carriage”, which increase fork carriage width and are not designed to hold load weight, only to “stabilize” larger loads.
Fork carriage trucks height depends on its load capacity and width is determined by its function.
Equipment truck widths of narrow aisle are usually from 31 to 34” and counterbalanced equipment with seated operator are from 37 to 41” Depending on forks used, fork support may vary. Width may vary depending on its function and you can find smaller or larger truck options. Equipment in narrow aisle, a larger width track may complicate lateral maneuvering. |
1.7. Tilt
Mast tilt can be performed by mast or by forks, tilts is required for load securing, for picking and lifting platforms and it is very useful with some accessories.