Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used commonly in business, especially in warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have a variety of attachments also. The following are several of the most important components of a forklift.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machine. Various kinds of forklift truck have various types of engine that require varying power sources. Like for example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine can have any of the following as its source of power: gasoline, diesel, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most vital of all the lift truck parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the machinery. All other components of a forklift are connected to the base, like for instance the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight enables the machinery to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes connected to the rear of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 work 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 would be open to the air. There are many components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the switches, levers, operator controls, steering wheel, pedals and seats. The dashboard contains operator readouts.