Thanks to the versatile L-shaped steel forks it features, the forklift can be used to raise and transport crates and materials. At the time of its invention, the forklift truck was originally meant to facilitate the movement of heavy car parts. Its use has since been expanded to many industrial operations, especially in construction, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and warehousing.

The market offers a wide variety of forklift trucks with different load capacities--between 3,000 and 30,000 pounds and more. In a typical warehouse setting, most forklifts will have load capacities under five tons. Another important characteristic of the forklift is its elevation height. This can vary as well, but since height needs are unlikely to change much over time at a location, it is advisable to purchase a forklift for current height specifications.

Among their many features, forklift trucks have rear-wheel steering to increase maneuverability in extremely limited spaces. The most common model of the forklift is powered by petroleum gas, gasoline, or diesel fuel. However, many of the forklifts currently under production are electric, powered by large lead-acid batteries which may be simultaneously used as counterweights. This type of battery can typically provide power for a standard eight-hour shift, i.e., five or six hours of constant use.

Some forklift trucks also feature the capacity to tilt the forks or move them laterally. In addition, in a few forklift trucks, the operator can move the tines of the fork together or apart. Clamps, carpet rams, pole handlers, and grab attachments are among the equipment available to work in conjunction with the forklift in specific tasks such as picking up spools or drums. New, rebuilt, and replacement forklift parts are also available for forklift owners.