Abstract: A straddle fork vehicle includes a generally rectangular frame structure with front and rear forklift assemblies positioned between a set of tread belts. The straddle fork vehicle is designed such that the frame may accommodate, or straddle, agricultural harvesting pallets between the set of treads in a passthrough through area beneath the frame as the vehicle progresses down a field row. Engine configuration and improved braking systems facilitate a safer construction and tighter turning radius.

Abstract: A straddle fork vehicle includes a generally rectangular frame structure with front and rear forklift assemblies positioned between a set of tread belts. The straddle fork vehicle is designed such that the frame may accommodate, or straddle, agricultural harvesting pallets between the set of treads in a passthrough through area beneath the frame as the vehicle progresses down a field row. Engine configuration and improved braking systems facilitate a safer construction and tighter turning radius.

Abstract: A transfer and coating apparatus transfers a component from a conveyor to a coating station for application of a coating. The transfer apparatus includes a mast that can move about orthogonal axes in a horizontal plane and a mast having a carriage that can move vertically. The carriage includes a hook that swings about a horizontal axis relative to the mast for movement of the component in the horizontal direction. A sway bar extends between the hook and component to inhibit movement about a horizontal axis. The component is delivered to an upper compartment of a coating apparatus where it can be lowered in to a lower compartment containing coating material. Excess coating material is removed by an array of nozzles in the upper compartment as the component is raised from the coating material.

Abstract: A maintenance apparatus, in particular for lifting and moving components of a system for processing semiconductor devices. The apparatus comprises a beam and an arm with means for lifting a component, the arm being mounted to the beam via a connecting unit and so as to be pivotable in a horizontal plane, wherein the connecting unit is displaceable along the beam, and wherein the arm is displaceable perpendicularly to the beam, and wherein a load accommodation means is provided on the pivotable arm.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing at least one frame part of a forest work unit involves determining a moment applied by a payload of the forest work unit to a frame part to be supported and determining a magnitude and direction of at least one support moment needed at least for stabilizing the frame part on the basis of the moment applied by the payload to the frame part to be supported. An arrangement for stabilizing at least one frame part of a forest work unit comprises means for carrying out said determinations.

Abstract: A modular trailer system is described, wherein a gooseneck, deck, and dolly are attachable to each other in a variety of ways. One configuration allows the gooseneck and dolly to be attached to either end of the deck. Another configuration allows the gooseneck and dolly to be attached directly to each other. This permits the method of transporting a deck to a site, and then returning the gooseneck and dolly to another location.

Abstract: A mast and integral display mount for a material handling vehicle are shown. The mast mounts a locating apparatus such that a locating axis of the locating apparatus is coaxial with a steering axis of the steerable drive wheel of the material handling vehicle. An integral display mount may include a display unit and display screen housed in a display housing that is integral with the steering handle of the vehicle. The integral nature of the display mount allows the display unit to move with the steering handle during steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: An upright for a lift truck includes a first group of mast sections in a first stagger arrangement where a first mast section of the first group of mast sections is fixed to the lift truck. The upright further includes a second group of mast sections in a second stagger arrangement that is reverse nested inside the first stagger arrangement. Further, the upright includes a drive system for telescopingly extending and retracting the second mast sections relative to the first mast section.

Abstract: A multi-lift mast for a forklift has hydraulic circuitry that provides free lift and negative lift capabilities for the forklift. The mast comprises a stationary member, at least one extensible member slideable on the stationary member and a carriage slideable on an extensible member. The extensible mast members are raised and lowered by double acting hydraulic actuators extending between the stationary member and an extensible member. The carriage is raised and lowered by a positively connected double acting carriage hydraulic actuator extending between an extensible mast and the carriage. The circuitry employs identical pairs of counterbalance valves controlling the supply and exit of hydraulic fluid for the bore and rod ends of the actuators, set to cause the carriage to fully extend before the extensible mast members extend, providing free lift, and set to cause the extensible mast members to fully lower before the carriage lowers.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle power unit having a longitudinal centerline, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit and having a centerline offset from and generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus movably coupled to the monomast.

Abstract: Ground conveyor with a drive part with a frame, a load part, which is attached to the frame of the drive part and the height of which is operated on the, if applicable, one load pickup means that can be actuated by a lifting device, furthermore with parallelly distanced wheel arms, which are attached with their rear ends on the frame or the load part and each support a load-bearing wheel with means for changing the distance of the wheel arms (wheel-arm width), wherein a bearing arm is fastened on the rear end of the wheel arms, which extends almost perpendicular to the wheel arm and is received fittingly and moveably in at least one bearing opening of the frame or the load part and fixing means are provided on the frame or load part, with which the axial and pivot position of the bearing arms can be releasably retained.

Abstract: An extendable mast structure for a fork-lift truck, including an outer mast fixed to the carriage, the spaced columns being interconnected via upper and lower traverses, an extendable inner mast guided by said outer mast on which a load-carrying means is guided to be movable up and down and the columns of which are interconnected via upper or lower traverses or a cross-beam, one mast lift cylinder for each column of said inner mast supported on said outer mast, piston rods of which are adapted to be connected to said cross-beam, and setting means between said piston rods and cross-beam for an equalization of the lift, wherein a male-threaded setting component is attached to the upper end of said piston rod of one of said two mast lift cylinders and a female-threaded bushing is screwed onto the male thread of said setting component and has supporting surfaces for said cross-beam.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck has a battery-electric drive system, a driver's stand (10) having a driver's platform (11) for a standing operator formed between a load part (1) and a drive part (5) having a counterweight. The counterweight is formed by a battery pack device having at least one battery pack (9). The driver's stand (10) extends over the entire vehicle width. In this case, the drive part (5) has an equipment area (6), the battery pack device being arranged in a battery compartment (8), which is arranged above and/or adjacent to the equipment area (6), of the drive part (5).

Abstract: A shipping and handling system for a fork lift truck that has a cab and rails extending vertically above the cab. A first bracket is secured to the back of the rails and a second bracket is secured to the back of the cab. One bracket is provided with wheel while the other is provided with legs so that the truck is able to rest on the brackets when it is tipped over upon its back. A special adaptor is provided that allows a second fork lift truck to hitch onto the unwheeled bracket and lift the bracket off the support surface whereupon the first truck can be easily maneuvered from place to place.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for lift chain rollers in a multiple lift mast for high-lift fork trucks which mast has a fixed mast, a middle mast, and an inner telescoping mast, each of which has two parallel-distanced mast profiles, wherein at an upper end of each the mast profiles of the middle mast, a lift chain roller is mounted for each of at least one lift chain for lifting the inner mast, wherein the lift chain roller is disposed in front of the inner mast crosswise to a web of the middle mast profile, wherein a separate bearing component for the lift chain roller is placed onto the mast profile or onto a cross-beam joining the tops of the mast profiles from top, and welded thereto.

Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.

Abstract: A container carrier provided with longitudinal extension and retraction capability such that loads may be shifted forward in order to achieve optimal front-to-rear weight distribution on the supporting vehicle. Two hydraulic cylinders having the same rod and bore size are provided in an over and under configuration and act in unison and enable the fork structure to tilt as well as telescopically extend and retract about a mast assembly. The upper cylinder directly controls the angle of the forks while the lower cylinder acts on a mast assembly to extend and retract. A third cylinder is provided for vertically raising and lowering the fork structure so that containers may be picked up from and/or lowered onto elevated surfaces, as well as tilted up and raised toward the truck.

Abstract: A load weight measuring device for a multi-stage mast forklift truck has a mast assembly, an oil passage, a flow regulator valve, a pressure sensor, a detecting device, a memory, a selector, and a calculator. The mast assembly has a lift bracket for receiving a load weight, a multi-stage mast unit having masts, and a multi-stage lift cylinder unit having lift cylinders each having an oil chamber for raising the lift bracket along the masts. Hydraulic oil flows in the oil passage. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of hydraulic oil and outputs a pressure signal. The detecting device detects a state which stage of the lift cylinder raises the lift bracket and outputs a detection signal. The memory stores predetermined parameters from which the selector selects the parameter based on the detection signal. The calculator calculates the load weight based on the selected parameter and the pressure signal.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a vehicle frame (1), a lifting framework (4) attached to the vehicle frame (1) and two wheel arms which extend in the horizontal direction. The wheel arm is connected to the vehicle frame (1) and at the free end of which at least one running wheel (3) is arranged. Each wheel arm has a first longitudinal structural part (2) which is a component of the vehicle frame (1) and has a second longitudinal structural part (5) which is a component of the lifting framework (4). The running wheel (3) is arranged on the first longitudinal structural part (2).

Abstract: Industrial truck, in particular fork lift, having an exchangeable battery block (13) and a battery case (3) which accommodates the battery block (13), with the battery case (3) having a lateral access opening (7) to slide the battery block (13) with a first end first into the battery case (3) and pull the battery block (13) with its first end last out of the battery case (3), with the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3) being supported near its first end with at least one independent roller (25) on the battery case bottom (5), characterized in that that on the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3), a projection (21) at the first end opposite the second end of said battery block, which projects over a front edge section (29) of the battery case bottom (5) near the access opening (7) and over the underside of the battery case bottom (5) downward, is provided as lifting abutment for a battery transport device (33), in particular a fork lift device to lift the battery block (

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.

Abstract: The fork-lift truck comprises a body (11) with one or more directional rear wheels and a mast (12) with a slide (13) sliding and hearing front forks for gripping and supporting the load. According to the invention, the truck comprises an intermediate frame (14), bearing the front wheels (21; 22) and oscillating with respect to the body (11) around a transversal axis (X-X) parallel to the axis (Y-Y) of the front wheels, as well as operating-cylinder means (30) interposed between said frame and said body. Said mast (12) is dismountably fastened to said intermediate frame (14), so as to be made to oscillate integrally with the frame itself around said transversal axis (X-X) by means of said operating-cylinder means (30) to swing forwards and rearwards, with both idle (21) and driving (22) front wheels, whereas it can be easily disassembled and assembled with respect to the intermediate frame (14).

Abstract: A load arm for a fork of a low lift industrial truck, with an arm frame which is approximately U- or C-shaped in cross section with upward pointing bridge and downward pointing legs and an arm tip, which is connected to the arm frame via a welding connection, wherein the arm tip, tapered towards the free end, has bearing openings for the bearing of a load roller and introduction and withdrawal surfaces on the lower side, which ascend or fall off, respectively, towards the free end of the arm tip with respect to the lower edges or brims of the arm frame, and wherein the arm tip has an abutting surface at the rear end, which abuts against the blunt end of the arm frame, wherein the arm tip is formed by an integral piece of cast material, the arm tip has arm sections on the end facing the arm frame, which extend below the associated edges or brims of the arm frame and sit snugly on the lower edges or brims of the arm frame when arm frame and arm tip cling together, and the withdrawal surfaces are provided on the

Abstract: A lift truck includes a magneto-rheological damper coupled between the base frame and a frame holding a vertically sprung suspended wheel. The damper is electrically connected to a vehicle control system, which increases and decreases the damping force as a function of at least one of a weight of a load on the forks of the lift truck, a height of the mast of the lift truck, and a speed of the lift truck. As the weight of the load, height of the mast and speed of the vehicle increase, the damping force is increased. As the weight of the load, height of the mast, and speed of the vehicle decrease, the damping force is decreased. When the damper is activated to increase the damping force, the truck can maintain a four point stance, providing a larger footprint for the center of gravity, thereby limiting truck sway or oscillation.

Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive and operating drives for the movement of the load-lifting device (1). A calculation model (D) is stored in a control device (SE), to which directly or indirectly acting sensors (S) are connected for detecting the lifting load (L), the lifting height (H), the tilting angle (WM), the load torque (M), the direction of travel (R), the driving speed (V), and the steering angle (WL). The control device (SE) is designed to determine a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (L, H, WM, M, R, V, WL) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive and the operating drives. Depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, the operating speed, starting and braking acceleration, and driving speed are each reduced.

Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery casing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.

Abstract: Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein comprise a personnel lift apparatus for raising or lowering a standing person between two or more elevations or from a base elevation to a raised elevation. A moveable lift platform rides within a track provided on a pair of substantially upright side rails. The platform is connected by a flexible metallic cable to an electrically operated winch. The personnel lift eliminates steps and ladders on recreational items or any equipment requiring climbing.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading objects onto a truck including two support members and a rigid substantially L-shaped support. The support members and rigid substantially L-shaped member are subject to force from at least 3 actuators. The operation of actuators maintains the horizontal portion of the rigid L-shaped member in substantially horizontal orientation during the flexion and extension of the joints connecting the members, and the joint connecting the device to the truck.

Abstract: A lifting framework for an industrial truck has an extendible mast guided on a guide mast by rollers. Means are provided for bracing the extendible mast with the guide mast so as to prevent the extendible mast from inclining in the lateral direction of the lifting framework relative to the guide mast. The bracing means are configured such that, when the extendible mast is located in the top end position, a vertical movement of the extendible mast relative to the guide mast is prevented in the region of each of the two columns. A hydraulic lifting cylinder and a stop for the top end position of the extendible mast are arranged here in the region of each column.

Abstract: A mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: A mobile loader is driven to a dockside location underlying the spreader bar of a marine terminal crane. A delivery vehicle such as a train or a truck is driven into the loader at such dockside location so that containers maybe transferred between the delivery vehicle and a platform located within the loader in lateral adjacency to the delivery vehicle. Motorized devices are provided for respectively transferring containers between the delivery vehicle and the platform, aligning the platform below the spreader bar, elevating the platform toward the overlying crane spreader bar to reduce its required descent for attachment to the container and aligning the crane spreader bar as it descends onto a container.

Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.

Abstract: A mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: A forklift has a travelling carriage, a straddle arm disposed on the travelling carriage, a mast disposed on the straddle arm to be reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction, a fork disposed on the mast to be movable up and down, and a cover disposed on the travelling carriage. When the mast is in a reach-in operation, the cover covers at least an upper side of an article supported by the fork.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a load handling device for an industrial truck having a lift frame, a lift carriage which can be displaced along the lift frame, and a reach carriage guided so as to move on the lift carriage. A load pick-up device is arranged on the reach carriage. According to the invention, the lift carriage is guided on the outer sides of the lift frame by rollers, and the reach carriage is guided on the outer sides of the lift carriage. In order to displace the reach carriage, a hydraulic reach cylinder is provided on each side of the lift frame and is fixed at one end to the lift carriage and at the other end to the reach carriage.

Abstract: A fork lift truck is provided with a lifting frame, a rear weight and a driver's cab. The driver's cab forms a load-bearing component of the fork lift truck, whereby there are two bearings for the lifting frame at some vertical distance from each other, by which the lifting frame is connected in a force-transmitting connection with the driver's cab. Each bearing for the lifting frame is suitable for the transmission of compression forces or tension forces. There is also a bearing for the rear weight, by which the rear weight is connected in a force-transmitting connection with the driver's cab. The bearing for the rear weight is suitable for the transmission of forces and moments.

Abstract: A forklift having a pallet lock device. On an upper face of a top end of a lock bar to lock a pallet, a tapered portion is disposed. When a fork is inserted into the pallet, the tapered portion comes into contact with an end face of the pallet and the lock bar rotates downward. When a landing sensor is turned on by a magnet disposed on the lock bar, the lock bar is immediately driven and the locking operation is started. Then, the top end of the lock bar pushes or comes into pressure contact with an upper face of a lower deck board of the pallet, and the pallet is locked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying apparatus that prevents an elevating motor and the like from projecting from a stacker crane to hinder the stacker crane from interfering with walls of an automatic warehouse. A traveling vehicle 2 of a stacker crane comprises traveling driving means 20, 20 for wheels 9, and elevation driving means 35 for elevating and lowering a platform 4. Both driving means 20, 35 are arranged so that a longitudinal direction of both driving means 20, 35 is almost parallel with a direction in which the traveling vehicle 2 runs. The traveling vehicle 2 comprises a pair of frames 17, 17 spaced at a predetermined distance from each other and a plurality of connecting members that connect both frames 17, 17 together. Both driving means 20, 35 are arranged outside the respective frames 17. Wheels 9, 9 are arranged in the front and rear, respectively, of the traveling vehicle 2. The traveling driving means 20 is connected to each wheel 9.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck for selectively displacing a load forward or sideways, comprising a horizontal, substantially U-shaped frame, a lifting mechanism for carrying the load, wherein legs of the frame extend along the lifting mechanism, and wheels on the legs which are connected to the legs via rotating mechanisms for driving and are rotatable on a substantially upward axis between positions corresponding with sideways and forward movements of the fork-lift truck. Flexible power supply and control lines run with slack through the legs to the wheels. There is further provided a bending mechanism at each of the legs for bending the power supply and control lines without frictional contact with the interior of the legs during release of the slack.

Abstract: A fork lift apparatus and methods for moving a load in a predetermined narrow area and capable of multi-directional movement are provided. The fork lift apparatus preferably includes an elongate base having a recess formed in a medial portion thereof. The fork lift apparatus can also include a fork lift frame connected to the elongate base. The fork lift frame can include a first pair of fork lift frame guide rails for guiding the fork lift frame between an extended and a retracted position. The fork lift apparatus can further include a fork lift connected to the fork lift frame. The fork lift preferably includes a lift base, a fork guide positioned to overlie the lift base, and a second pair of spaced-apart fork lift frame guide rails positioned to overlie the lift base for guiding the fork guide between an elevated position and a lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at counterweight lift trucks (1) for giving the operator a substantially free field of view in the driving direction (F). A lifting device (11) comprises a vertically movable frame (13) which is mounted on a fixed frame (12) and which includes a lifting carriage (14). The counterweight lift truck (1) comprises an operator's cabin (9) with a seat (10) for the operator. The frames (12, 13) are, seen in the driving direction (F), located behind a vertical plane (A) which is transverse relative to the driving direction (F) and in which front wheels (3, 4) of the counterweight lift truck (1) are situated. The frames (12, 13) lack transverse beams beneath upper transverse beams (18, 21). The operator's cabin (9) is located immediately behind the frames (12, 13) and there are support devices which replace transverse beams beneath the upper transverse frame beams (18, 21).

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A forklift has a travelling carriage, a straddle arm disposed on the travelling carriage, a mast disposed on the straddle arm to be reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction, a fork disposed on the mast to be movable up and downm, and a cover disposed on the travelling carriage. When the mast is in a reach-in operation, the cover covers at least an upper side of an article supported by the fork.

Abstract: A pallet lift or forklift mounted to a consumer vehicle such as an automobile or van. The forklift is secured to a vehicle by a square tow hitch. The forklift is actuated by raising and lowering a jack. The jack is secured to a generally vertical lift post, which is in turn secured to horizontal lift arms. As the jack is actuated, the lift post and the lift arms are raised and lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fork-lift truck including a vehicle body which has rear wheels and a lift frame for load-carrying means, and including a wheel bearing means. For an increase in stability in standing of the fork-lift truck, a shifting or pivoting device interacting with the vehicle body is provided, which moves the wheel bearing means with respect to the vehicle body while varying the axle base and the distance of the load center from the front wheel.

Abstract: Each of the lower cart 4 and the upper cart 5 of the stacker crane 2 are loaded with running motors 8, 9, and are synchronized with one another and are ran. The elevating platform 18 is elevated and descended by employing the mast 10 between the carts 4, 5. The mast 10 is attached to the lower cart 4 in the running direction, freely swinging, and is attached to the upper cart 5, freely swinging in the running direction and freely shifting in the lower direction.

Abstract: A multi-function lever for an industrial truck has a lever that can be pivoted around at least a first axis and at least one control element located on the lever. By pivoting the lever around the first axis and by actuating the control element, it is possible to actuate at least one function each of the industrial truck. The invention teaches that the control element can be actuated by pivoting around a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The control element can be actuated with the index finger of a hand gripping the hand grip. By pivoting the lever, a vertical movement of the load holding device can be controlled, and by pivoting the control element, a tilting of the load holding device can be controlled.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A tilt control valve controls the flow of hydraulic oil to actuate the tilt cylinders of a forklift mast. The tilt control valve is switched between two positions by the forklift operator by means of a tilt lever. When at one position, the tilt control valve stops flow of oil to the tilt cylinders, thereby prohibiting tilting of the mast. When at the other position, the tilt control valve permits oil flow to the tilt cylinders, thereby allowing tilting of the mast. A control valve is located between the tilt cylinders and the tilt control valve. A seat switch detects whether or not the operator is sitting on the seat. A CPU permits the operator to continue to operate the tilt cylinders to tilt the mast when out of the seat for a brief period. However, after the brief period, the CPU closes the control valve to prevent movement of the mast unless the operator has returned to the seat.

Abstract: A lift truck, especially for lifting boats, includes a self-propelled main frame having a pair of parallel rails extending in a fore-and-aft direction. The main frame is supported by front drive wheels and rear castor wheels. A mast is movable forwardly and rearwardly on the rails and carries a lift assembly that can pivot about a transverse axis. The lift assembly includes a pair of lift arms each having vertical and horizontal portions. The vertical portions are mounted to swing about respective fore-and-aft axes, and are horizontally movable toward and away from one another for increasing or decreasing the distance between those axes. The main frame does not carry a counterbalance weight, but rather has a latch which grips a ground-mounted anchor for anchoring the rear end of the main frame during vertical movement of the lift assembly.