Forklift trucks are important pieces of machinery utilized commonly in business, especially in distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling plants. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have different kinds of attachments as well. The following are some of the most essential lift truck components.
Forklift Engine - the lift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different kinds of lift trucks have different types of engine that require varying power sources. For example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: LP gas, CNG gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Frame of The Truck - The frame of the truck is the base of the lift truck and the most essential of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the machinery. All other forklift components are attached to the base, like for instance the mast, wheels, axles counterweight and overhead guard. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Components - the counterweight is what enables the equipment to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck so as to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being lifted or carried on the front. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric forklift gives balance and may function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Lift trucks will sometimes have closed cabs while others will be open to the air. There are really numerous parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the steering wheel, operator controls, seats, pedals, switches and levers. The dashboard has operator readouts.