The formal definition of a forklift is:
A powered industrial lift truck is a vehicle drawn or propelled by mechanical, electrical or manual power, design incorporating a powered lift principally to lift, carry or stack goods by means of: (a) A fork consisting of one or more arms which support the load; or (b) a platform; or (c) any attachment or other mechanism. Without limiting the above definition this includes forklifts, order pickers, side loaders, reach trucks, pallet trucks, platform trucks, straddle trucks and lateral stacking trucks. While this definition does not include straddle carriers, much of this code of practice is applicable to that equipment"
Fork attachment - Forklifts are defined by having a fork attachment consisting of two elongated prongs that can be inserted under a load for lifting.
Powered - Forklifts are powered, either by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor/battery, unlike non-powered hand trucks or dollies.
Operator position - Forklifts have an operator position, usually a seat or platform, from which the operator controls the lifting and movement of loads. There are also forklifts that have the operator walk behind it using a lever to operate it.
Lifting mechanism - They have a mast and hydraulic or other powered lifting mechanism to raise and lower the fork attachment.
Industrial use - Forklifts are designed for industrial/commercial material handling use, as opposed to equipment meant for earthmoving or over-the-road hauling.
