Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used widely in business, specially in warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have a variety of attachments too. The following are some of the most important parts of a lift truck.
Lift Truck Engine - At the rear of the machine, the lift truck has its power source. The different types of engine on the lift truck would need varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can have as its power source any of the following: LP gas, CNG gas, diesel or gasoline. 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 essential of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the equipment. All other components of a forklift are attached to the base, like for instance the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy cargo. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 lift truck gives balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts would sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are really lots of parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts like the pedals, seats, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard has operator readouts.