Platform, Pallet, & Straddle Lifts

In addition to operator positioning, lift trucks offer a variety of options for the lift itself. Platform lifts are flat and solid along the bottom. These lifts are typically used for loads that are not on pallets. The flat bottom of the lift provides extra support and increases load capacity due to the added strength. Pallet lifts are possibly the most familiar type of lift, using "forks" to slide in between pallet slats and lift loads onto shelves, trucks, and other similar holding areas. Straddle lifts are similar to pallet lifts, but rather than the weight of the load being counterbalanced by the weight of the operator or the battery or engine, the front of the lift truck is equipped with two extra extensions that straddle the load when it is lowered and support the weight when it is lifted.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Canada Forklift Safety Online Training web page.