The forklift is an essential piece of machine in most companies that operate distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling facilities. This great equipment, the lift truck is made of numerous parts, including the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have various types of attachments also. The following are some of the most important components of a forklift.
Engine of the Forklift - At the back of the machinery, the lift truck has its power source. The different types of engine on the lift truck will require varying power sources. Like for example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its source of power: CNG gas, LP gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - The frame of the truck is the base of the forklift and the most essential of all the forklift parts. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift components are connected to the base, like the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the equipment to be balanced. This specific component is cast iron and comes attached to the back of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck in order 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 lift truck gives balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Some forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really numerous parts situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important components as the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, switches and levers. The dashboard has operator readouts.