The forklift is an important piece of machine in most companies which operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This great equipment, the lift truck is constructed of numerous components, such as the essential carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Lift trucks normally have various kinds of attachments as well. The following are some of the most important components of a lift truck.
Engine of the Forklift - the lift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the machine. Various 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 any of the following as its source of power: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the lift truck components. This forms the equipment's core. All other parts of a lift truck are connected to the base, like for instance the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks may also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - While carrying heavy cargo, the counterweight enables the equipment to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the forklift. 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 forklift provides balance and could function 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 which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are lots of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts as the steering wheel, operator controls, seats, pedals, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.