The lift truck is an important piece of machinery in most companies which operate warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial facilities. This great machinery, the forklift is constructed of numerous components, like the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have a variety of attachments as well. The following are some of the most important forklift components.
Lift Truck Engine - At the rear of the machinery, the forklift has its power source. The various types of engine on the lift truck would need varying power sources. Like for example, a lift truck with an IC engine could have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - The frame of the truck is the base of the forklift and the most vital of all the lift truck components. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift parts are attached to the base, like the wheels, axles, mast counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - the counterweight is what enables the machinery to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being lifted or carried on the front. In an electric forklift, the heavy lead-acid battery provides balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are numerous parts situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts like the pedals, seats, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard has operator readouts.