Lift trucks are important pieces of equipment utilized widely in business, specially within distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have a range of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important forklift components.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different kinds of lift trucks have various types of engine which require varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine could have any of the following as its power source: CNG gas, LP gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the forklift components is the truck frame. This forms the core of the equipment. All other lift truck parts are connected to the base, like the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - the counterweight is what allows the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy cargo. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the lift 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 provides balance and may work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Several forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really numerous components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the levers, switches, operator controls, steering wheel, seats and pedals. The dashboard contains operator readouts.