Main parts: chassis, counterweight, mast, fork carriage, forks, the power system (battery-electric or combustion engine) and the steering, which on counterbalance trucks is on the rear wheels.
Operator protection
- Overhead guard (FOPS): compulsory if there is a risk of falling objects.
- Roll-over protective structure (ROPS): compulsory if the truck can overturn. With it, the seat must have a seat belt or restraint system.
- Trucks that carry workers must limit the risk of overturning: a cab, a roll-over structure, enough clearance between the ground and the truck if it overturns, or a structure that keeps the driver in the seat (Royal Decree 1215/1997, Annex I, point 2).
Other devices
Brake, «dead man's» pedal (the machine only works with the operator in position), start interlock, emergency stop and visual and audible warning devices.
Trucks put into service since 1996 carry the CE marking. Older ones must be brought into line with Royal Decree 1215/1997.
In practiceIf the truck has ROPS and a seat belt, you always buckle up, even if you are only
moving a pallet ten metres.
Source: INSST, NTP 713: Carretillas elevadoras automotoras (I): basic knowledge (in Spanish), components and safety devices · Real Decreto 1215/1997, sobre utilización de equipos de trabajo (use of work equipment; consolidated text, in Spanish), Annex I, point 2