3D Printed RC Forklift (UPDATED)

I love what ProfessorBoots (https://www.printables.com/@ProfJohnny_823077) has given to the 3D community.  Please support ProfessorBoots for all of his work to make these models come to life.  It does take hundreds of hours to make these models, electronics, and software.  https://professorboots.com/products/professorboots-workshop-pass

These parts should be functionally equivalent.

I like to create 3D models that follow these criteria:

• Do not require supports – I HATE supports.

• Print quickly – optimized for 0.4mm nozzle diameter with 2 exterior wall thickness

• Are easy to access for maintenance – I like to upgrade parts, but I hate to disassemble the entire model just to change out one part.

• Are chamfered on the bottom layer – this helps those who don't have a perfectly aligned bed and may still have “elephant foot” artifacts.

• Do not waste plastic – many designers make parts that are WAY thicker than are required for structural strength.  This just makes the parts bulky and take longer to print.

Changes

• NO SUPPORTS REQUIRED

  • All parts print without supports except for part #4 (Mast 1) – I tried many ways but couldn't get it to print without supports.  There is a single layer under the pulley on one end.  It needs to be removed in post-processing.

  • All mast parts print laying down (for printers that don't have good Z axis stability).

• Added bearing to rear steering

  • Requires 2 each 106-2RS bearings (6mm x 10mm) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082PPH3Z2

  • Requires 4 each 85-2RS bearings (5mm x 8mm) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082PRTDZ9

  • Push in bearings to rear wheel and wheel capture and assemble.

• Added front servo mount separate from body to allow for easy access to electronics.

• Created a standoff to go under the power switch so that it is at the proper height.

• Created my own PCB and Bluetooth software

  • Uses Micro JST-XH connectors - makes is MUCH easier to attach motors. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D6KSMK1Q

  • Software prevents multiple controllers from connecting to a single vehicle.  Makes it much easier to use multiple vehicles simultaneously. 

  • I moved throttle/steering to the left joystick and mast control to right joystick.

  • Added better independent R/L wheel movement when turning.

  • Software and Gerber files can be found here: https://github.com/swholmstead/ForkLift

Post Printing

Models do not require support, but a couple of models have small supports already added to the models.  These supports need to be removed after printing.

• Outer Mast

  • Remove the single layer of support material under the pulley at the top.

• Carriage

  • Remove the brim around the thin back pieces.

Updates

18 Aug 2025 - I added a brim to the small back pieces on the forklift carriage.  I also tilted the carriage tines 1.5 degrees upwards to better hold on to pallets with heavy loads.

24 Aug 2025 - Redesigned mast and carriage (parts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).  Tilted carriage to 4 degrees upward.  Improved tolerances between mast parts and carriage.

16 Jan 2026 - I made a mistake on the motor locks on the main body.  The holes in the main body were too small for the motor mounts.  I updated part 1 to have the correct dimensions so the motor mounts fit properly.