Forklift trucks are important pieces of equipment utilized commonly in business, specially within distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, including the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Lift trucks usually have various types of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important lift truck parts.
Forklift Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different types of forklift truck have various types of engine which require varying power sources. For example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: CNG gas, LP gas, gasoline or diesel. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the lift truck components is the frame of the truck. This forms the equipment's core. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, including the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight enables the equipment to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the lift truck. 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 gives balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machine. Some forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are many parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts as the pedals, seats, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.