A Lift Truck, also known as a forklift, is a powered industrial truck. The main purpose is for material handling within a warehouse or outside in industrial yards.  Lift Trucks have the capability to lift loads to be positioned at height as well as to lower them as needed. Fitted with specific attachments, the lift truck is also used to perform other related functions such as the transfer loads from slip sheets onto pallets, as well as to clamp them or to invert them.

There is a wide range of lift trucks designed to best meet the needs of various material handling applications. The seven major Lift Truck classifications in the United States include:

• Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks
• Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
• Class III: Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks
• Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tires)
• Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
• Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
• Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks