Fork lift with alternative hand control

A fork lift truck 1 has a vehicle body 2 with wheels 3A,3B,3C,3D driven by a motor, a fork lift 5 controlled by levers 6 and a manual speed control switch 10 to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor. Switch 10 may be a joystick controlling forward and reverse speed located adjacent levers 6. A dead manâ s switch 12 that only allows movement of the vehicle when the switch 12 is depressed may be provided adjacent the switch 10. Foot pedal switches 7A, 7B may be provided in addition to switch 10 as an alternative means to control the speed of movement of the vehicle. A selector switch 11 may be provided to select between operation using speed control switch 10 or foot pedals 7A, 7B. A removable armrest 15 may seal an access opening in the vehicle body. A seat switch 13 may be provided allowing movement of the vehicle only when the switch is depressed by someone sitting in seat 9. Hand controlled switch 10 allows the truck to be used by persons with limited or no mobility of their lower limbs.