Lift trucks are essential pieces of equipment used commonly in business, especially in warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, including the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Lift trucks normally have various kinds of attachments as well. The following are several of the most essential parts of a forklift.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Various types of lift trucks have different types of engine which need varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its power source: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift components is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the machinery. All other forklift components are attached to the base, including the wheels, axles, mast overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While lifting heavy cargo, the counterweight enables the equipment to be balanced. This specific component is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 offers balance and may work 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 many parts situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the operator controls, steering wheel, seats, pedals, switches and levers. The dashboard contains operator readouts.