The lift truck is an essential piece of machine in most businesses which operate distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. This wonder equipment, the forklift is constructed of many parts, including the important carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have a range of attachments too. The following are some of the most important components of a forklift.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the machinery. Different types of forklift truck have different kinds of engine which need varying power sources. For example, a forklift with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: gasoline, diesel, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most important of all the lift truck parts is the truck frame. This forms the machine's core. All other forklift parts are attached to the base, like for example the axles, mast, wheels counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks may also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Components - the counterweight is what allows the machinery to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 forklift offers balance and could work 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 some have closed cabs. There are numerous components situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts like the steering wheel, operator controls, seats, pedals, levers and switches. The dashboard has operator readouts.