Lift trucks are essential pieces of machines used commonly in business, particularly in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. A lift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, such as the carriage, the cab, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts normally have various kinds of attachments too. The following are several of the most important parts of a forklift.
Forklift Engine - At the back of the machine, the lift truck has its power source. The different types of engine on the lift truck will need varying power sources. Like for instance, a forklift with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: CNG gas, LP gas, gasoline or diesel. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the equipment's core. All other lift truck parts are attached to the base, like the wheels, axles, mast overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes connected to the back of the lift truck. 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. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery gives balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are really a lot of components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important components like the switches, levers, operator controls, steering wheel, pedals and seats. The dashboard contains operator readouts.