In 2025, forklift safety continues to be a top priority for manufacturers as they incorporate cutting-edge technologies to protect operators and enhance operational efficiency. Leading forklift manufacturers like Linde, Komatsu, and Hangcha are pushing the envelope with innovative forklift safety features that help prevent accidents, reduce operator fatigue, and ensure a secure working environment.
In this post, we will explore the top forklift safety features of these three renowned brands, highlighting how their technologies are revolutionizing workplace safety. Whether you’re operating in a warehouse, on construction sites, or in any other high-risk environment, these safety innovations are designed to keep you and your team safe while improving productivity.
If you are looking for forklifts with the most advanced safety features, contact us. Our forklift experts can help you choose the perfect equipment for your needs.
Forklift Safety Features
1. Linde Forklift Safety Features
Collision Prevention Systems
Linde Material Handling offers advanced collision prevention systems designed to enhance safety for both operators and pedestrians in warehouse environments. These systems use cutting-edge technology to detect potential hazards and provide timely warnings, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Linde Safety Guard
For a visual demonstration of the Safety Guard in action, you can watch the above video.
The Linde Safety Guard is an innovative assistance system that increases safety for truck operators and pedestrians in the vicinity of the truck. It provides active warnings in the event of potential hazards, allowing everyone involved to react immediately. Depending on the application and the equipment, the Safety Guard system warns of imminent danger via:
- Acoustic signals,
- Flashing LED lights
- Vibrations.
This proactive approach helps prevent accidents before they occur.
Linde Reverse Assist Radar
For a visual demonstration of the Reverse Assist Radar in action, you can watch the above video.
The Linde Reverse Assist Radar is an assistance system that recognizes moving and static objects when reversing and warns the driver of potential collisions. In an emergency, it actively intervenes in the situation and brakes, bringing the truck to a standstill. This effectively prevents collisions with pedestrians and obstacles, enhancing safety during reversing operations.
Pedestrian Detection Sensors
Linde provides several innovative solutions that contribute to pedestrian safety:
Linde Motion Detection
The Linde Motion Detection assistance system provides enhanced protection for pedestrians by detecting movements behind a stationary truck. In such cases, it prevents the vehicle from moving off and alerts the driver with a warning message on the display, accompanied by a sound signal to inform the pedestrian of the potential danger.
Stability Controls
Linde Material Handling incorporates several advanced stability control systems in their forklifts to prevent tip-overs and enhance operational safety:
Active Stability Control (ASC)
For a visual demonstration of the Active Stability Control system in action, you can watch the above video.
ASC is an electromechanical system that detects floor unevenness and automatically adjusts the load wheels to compensate, ensuring stability during operation. This system is particularly beneficial in warehouses with imperfect floors, allowing forklifts to maintain high performance without the need for floor modifications.
Safety Pilot
For a visual demonstration of the Safety Pilot in action, you can watch the above video.
The Safety Pilot system provides operators with real-time information on critical parameters such as load weight and load center distance. It alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings when the truck’s status becomes critical, helping to prevent tipping incidents.
Dynamic Mast Control
For a visual demonstration of the Dynamic Mast Control in action, you can watch the above video.
The dynamic mast control system reduces mast oscillations, especially at high lifting heights, by automatically adjusting mast movements. This enhancement improves both safety and efficiency in warehouse operations.
These integrated systems work together to provide a comprehensive safety framework, reducing the risk of tip-overs and ensuring stable and efficient forklift operations.
Ergonomic Controls
Linde Material Handling prioritizes operator comfort and efficiency by integrating several ergonomic features into their forklifts:
Linde Steer Control
For a visual demonstration of the Steer Control in action, you can watch the above video.
This innovative system replaces the traditional steering wheel with a mini-wheel or joystick, allowing operators to steer with one hand while resting their arm on an armrest. This design reduces shoulder and arm movements, minimizing fatigue and enhancing precision.
Linde Load Control
For a visual demonstration of the Load Control in action, you can watch the above video.
Integrated into the armrest, this system enables operators to control mast functions using two joysticks. This setup allows for precise and ergonomic handling of the forklift’s working and auxiliary hydraulics, reducing the need for extensive arm movements.
Hydrostatic Drive
For a visual demonstration of the Hydrostatic Drive in action, you can watch the above video.
Linde’s hydrostatic drive system eliminates the need for a clutch, shift transmission, and brakes, providing smooth acceleration and braking. This feature supports precise maneuvering in tight spaces and reduces physical strain on the operator.
Dual-Pedal Control
For a visual demonstration of the Dual-Pedal Control in action, you can watch the above video.
This system allows operators to control the forklift with minimal effort. The right pedal moves the truck forward, and the left pedal moves it backward, enabling gentle acceleration and deceleration with quick direction changes.
Multifunction Lever
For a visual demonstration of the Multifunction Level in action, you can watch the above video.
Designed for reach trucks, the multifunction lever combines several core functions into a single control element. Its anatomical design ensures the operator’s hand remains in a natural, relaxed position, enhancing comfort during operation.
Rotating Driver’s Workstation and Cab
For a visual demonstration of the Rotating Driver’s Workstation and Cab in action, you can watch the above video.
Linde offers rotating driver’s workstations and cabs, allowing operators to control all forklift functions with one hand without straining their spine. This design reduces operator fatigue and strain, especially during long shifts or in demanding working environments.
These ergonomic features collectively enhance operator comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve overall efficiency in warehouse operations.
Additional Forklift Safety Features
Linde Material Handling incorporates several advanced safety features into their forklifts to enhance operator and pedestrian safety. Here are just a few more:
Automatic Parking Brake
For a visual demonstration of the Automatic Parking Brake in action, you can watch the above video.
This feature automatically engages the parking brake when the operator exits the vehicle or when the forklift is stationary on an incline, preventing unintended movement and reducing the risk of rollaways.
Curve Assist
For a visual demonstration of the Curve Assist in action, you can watch the above video.
Curve Assist automatically adjusts the forklift’s speed when cornering, enhancing stability and reducing the likelihood of accidents during turns.
Linde BlueSpot™
For a visual demonstration of the Linde BlueSpot™ in action, you can watch the above video.
This driving path warning system projects a blue spot onto the ground, making the forklift’s presence visible to pedestrians and other operators, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.
Integrated Safety Cage
Linde forklifts are equipped with an integrated safety cage that provides structural protection to the operator, enhancing safety during operations.
Emergency Stop Button
An easily accessible emergency stop button allows the operator to quickly halt the forklift in case of an emergency, reducing the risk of accidents.
These features collectively enhance the safety and efficiency of Linde forklifts, providing a safer working environment for operators and pedestrians alike.
2. Komatsu Forklift Safety Features
Komatsu forklifts are equipped with several advanced safety features designed to enhance operator safety and operational efficiency. Here are some of the key safety features:
Operator Presence Sensing System (KOPS Plus)
This system locks out lift, lower, tilt, and travel functions when the operator leaves the seat for more than three seconds, preventing unintended movements and enhancing safety.
Seat Belt Warning Indicator
Alerts the operator when the seat belt is not fastened, promoting safe operation. The orange seat belt is also easily visible from outside the truck, allowing for quick checks.
Operator Presence Sensing & Seat Belt Warning
ROPS/FOPS Certified Cab
The cab is certified to meet the rigorous standards of Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS), providing protection to the operator in the event of a rollover or falling object.
Load Sensing System
Continuously monitors the weight of the load being lifted and automatically shuts down the lifting operation if it exceeds the maximum capacity, preventing accidents.
ROPS/FOPS Certified Cab
Parking Brake Warning Indicator
Provides an intermittent buzzer and indicator lamp when the operator leaves the truck without setting the parking brake, and sounds a buzzer if the accelerator pedal is pressed while the parking brake is engaged, protecting the brakes from excessive wear.
Parking Brake Warning Indicator
These features collectively contribute to a safer working environment by preventing unintended movements, ensuring proper use of safety equipment, and protecting the operator during operations.
3. Hangcha Forklift Safety Features
Hangcha, a leading manufacturer of forklifts, integrates several safety features into their equipment to enhance operator safety and operational efficiency. Here are some notable safety features found in Hangcha forklifts:
Operator Presence Sensing System
This system ensures that the forklift’s lifting, tilting, and travelling functions are automatically locked when the operator leaves the seat, preventing unintended movement and enhancing safety.
Soft Landing System
This feature allows for smooth lowering of the forks, reducing noise and shock during operation, thereby protecting both the load and the forklift.
Soft Landing System
Safety Lighting
Hangcha X Series forklifts come standard with a rear working light and safety blue LED presence light to give added safety for the operator backing up.
Locking Mechanisms
Hangcha forklifts are equipped with locking mechanisms on the engine hood, damper, and parking brake, ensuring that these components remain securely in place during operation.
Safety Lighting
Rear Reverse Grip with Horn
An optional rear reverse grip with an integrated horn button enhances safety during reverse operations, allowing operators to maintain control and alert others in the vicinity.
Maintenance Hatch with Safety Latch
The maintenance hatch opens wide enough to provide easy serviceability of key components, and the safety latch prevents accidental closure during maintenance activities.
These features collectively contribute to a safer working environment by preventing unintended movements, protecting the load and equipment, and ensuring secure maintenance procedures.
For the Best Selection of Forklift Safety Features – Contact Ri-Go.
If you are in the market for a new or used forklift, contact us. We have a wide selection of the latest forklift safety features, and our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect unit for your needs.
Since 1977, Ri-Go Lift Truck has been serving customers in Ontario and Quebec with everything they need for material handling. We are committed to providing you with quality service and a high level of customer satisfaction.
We are your authorized dealer for the following top brands:
- Linde Lift Trucks, Power Pallet Trucks, Tow Tractors and Stackers
- Hangcha – Full Line-up Including Lithium-Ion
- Blue Giant Lift Trucks and Pallet Movers
- Komatsu Forklifts and Reach Trucks
- Mariotti Lift Trucks – The Worlds Smallest Lift Truck
- Baoli Lift Trucks
- Advance Sweepers and Scrubbers
- Skyjack Genie Booms and Scissor Lifts
In addition to our authorized distributorships, we can also provide you with:
- Large selection of used forklifts
- Operator Training Department – open 7 days a week
- Parts Departments – over $1.9 million dollars of parts on hand for all makes and models
- Service Department – highly trained technicians
- Leasing and Rentals
No matter what your material handling needs are, we can help. Contact us today to let us know how we can be of service.
What Our Customers Think…
“Over 20 years doing business with Ri-go, in maintaining and renting us industrial power equipment. A big business with a real family way of treating the customers. They are experts in the industries they are involved in, and have been an important supplier for me for years. Moving forklifts, installing battery hoists, repairs, etc. If it’s something they don’t normally do, they make the effort to find us someone who can. Very very happy with everyone at Ri-Go.” –Paul Heggie
