The forklift is an essential piece of equipment in most businesses which operate distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. This wonder equipment, the forklift is constructed of numerous components, including the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have various kinds of attachments too. The following are several of the most essential parts of a lift truck.
Forklift Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Different types of lift trucks have different kinds of engine that require varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the equipment. All other parts of a forklift are attached to the base, including the counterweight, overhead guard, axles, mast and wheels. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While lifting heavy cargo, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes attached to the back of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck 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 gives balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Lift trucks will sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are really lots of parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important components as the levers, switches, operator controls, steering wheel, pedals and seats. The dashboard contains operator readouts.