Forklift trucks are important pieces of machinery utilized widely in business, particularly in warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial facilities. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have a variety of attachments as well. The following are several of the most important forklift components.
Forklift Engine - At the back of the machinery, the lift truck has its power source. The various kinds of engine on the forklift will need varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine can have any of the following as its source of power: CNG gas, LP gas, gasoline or diesel. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the equipment's core. All other forklift components are attached to the base, including the mast, wheels, axles overhead guard and counterweight. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what enables the machinery to be balanced while lifting heavy cargo. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the lift 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. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric lift truck provides balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Several lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really many components situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the operator controls, steering wheel, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.