Forklift trucks are important pieces of equipment utilized widely in business, especially in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of components, like the cab, the carriage, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts normally have different types of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important parts of a lift truck.
Forklift Engine - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the equipment. Different kinds of lift trucks have various kinds of engine that require varying power sources. For example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: gasoline, diesel, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - The frame of the truck is the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift components. This forms the machine's core. All other components of a lift truck are attached to the base, like the mast, wheels, axles counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what allows the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame in order to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted 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. Some forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are numerous parts situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the levers, switches, steering wheel, operator controls, seats and pedals. The dashboard has operator readouts.