Forklift truck is one of the most important tools in logistics. However, the general mast system
of a forklift truck not only restrains the driver's vision, but also increases the whole weight of a
truck and decreases the fuel economy. Therefore, this paper focuses on the innovative design of
a new lifting mechanism for forklift truck. Firstly, a spatial multi-link lift-guidance mechanism
is proposed. And then, under the constraints of this mechanism, the mobility of the fork and
fork frame is investigated in theory. Lastly, a new lifting mechanism based on it is presented
and computer simulation is used to demonstrate the feasibility of motion. This multi-link lifting
mechanism takes advantage of flexible cable drive and rigid body guidance, which not only
provides the operator with a wider field of vision but also reduces the equilibrate weight of a
vehicle and therefore improves the fuel economy.