This list can be useful for newer operators or operators who have come from overseas as it explains common abbreviations and acronyms used on and around forklifts.
4-D: Capable of travel forwards/backwards/left/right
AC: Alternating Current
ACOP: Approved Code of Practice
AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle
AI: Automatic Identification
AMPH: Amp Per Hour
APM: Auto Pallet Mover
AVC: Automatic Vehicle Control
AWS: Automated Warehouse System
BC: Battery Compartment
BHS: Battery Handling Systems
BLO: Baseleg Opening
BOW: Baseleg Overall Width
BPI: Batch Put Indicator
BSOC: Battery State of Charge
C or CB: Counterbalance (model designator)
CG (or COG): Centre of Gravity
CH: Container Handler
CNG: Compressed Natural Gas
DTI: Digital Tilt Indicator
ECH: Empty Container Handler
EL. HT: Elevated Height
EX. HT: Extended Height
FFL: Full Free Lift
FL: Forklift or Free Lift
FLT: Forklift Truck
FOPS: Falling Object Protection System
FS: Forklift Service
HHPT: Hydraulic Hand Pallet Truck
HLPT: High-lift Pallet Truck
HPT: Hand Pallet Truck
ITSSAR: Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register
LC: Load Centre (horizontal)
LH: Lowered Height
LLC: Lost Load Centre
LLOP: Low-Level Order Picker
L: Low-Lift Truck
LPG: Liquid Petroleum Gas
LSI: Large Spark Ignited
MH: Materials Handling
MCU: Motor Control Unit
NA: Narrow Aisle
O&M: Operations and Maintenance manual
OACH: Overall Collapsed Height
OAL: Overall Length
OAW: Overall Width
OHG: Overhead Guard
OP: Order Picker (model designator)
OPS or OPSS: Operator Presence Sensing (System)
P: Platform Truck (model designator)
PAS: Pedestrian Alert System
PDS: Pedestrian Detection System
PFL: Part Free Lift
PHC: Portable Hand Controller
POF: Pedestrian-operated Forklift
PPT: Powered Pallet Truck
PTO: Pallet Truck Operator
R: Reach Truck (model designator)
RS: Reach Stacker
RTFLT: Rough Terrain Forklift Truck
S: Straddle Fork Truck (model designator)
SL or SLR: Side Loader (model designator)
SMH: Systems Material Handling
S/S: Side Shift
TF: Two-Stage Mast
TM: Top Mount (pallet truck model designator)
TN: Nominal Free Lift or Two-Stage Mast
TT: Three-Stage Mast (designator)
UL Type EE, ES or E: Electric power ratings
VNA: Very Narrow Aisle (model designator)
WP: Work Platform
WR: Walkie Reach
Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above
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