The forklift is an important piece of equipment in most businesses that operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling facilities. This wonder machine, the lift truck is constructed of many components, including the important carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have a variety of attachments also. The following are some of the most essential parts of a lift truck.
Engine of the Forklift - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the machine. Different kinds of forklift truck have various kinds of engine which require varying power sources. For example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can have any of the following as its power source: gasoline, diesel, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the lift truck and the most essential of all the lift truck parts. This forms the machine's core. All other lift truck parts are attached to the base, like for example the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - While lifting heavy loads, the counterweight allows the equipment to be balanced. This specific component is cast iron and comes connected to the back of the forklift. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck so as to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery provides balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are a lot of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts as the seats, pedals, switches, levers, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard has operator readouts.