Industrial forklift trucks are are typically powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors. The former are referred to as IC forklifts and the latter as electric forklifts. With regards to IC trucks, the fuel used can be diesel, gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

They are usually fitted with fork attachments mounted on a vertical mast. These are primarily designed to lift and carry palletised loads and other materials with suitable lifting slots.