Lift trucks are essential pieces of machinery utilized widely in business, especially within warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. A lift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have various types of attachments also. The following are several of the most essential parts of a forklift.
Engine of the Lift Truck - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different kinds of forklift truck have different kinds of engine which require varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an IC 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 a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the lift truck parts is the truck frame. This forms the equipment's core. All other forklift parts are attached to the base, including the wheels, axles, mast counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This specific component is cast iron and comes connected to the rear of the forklift. 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 lift truck provides balance and may function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are many components situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts like the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.