The lift truck is an important piece of machine in most businesses which operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This wonder machine, the forklift is constructed of many parts, such as the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have various kinds of attachments also. The following are some of the most essential forklift components.
Engine of the Forklift - At the rear of the equipment, the forklift has its power source. The different kinds of engine on the forklift would require varying power sources. For example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its source of power: gasoline, diesel, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most vital of all the forklift components is the truck frame. This forms the machine's core. All other components of a lift truck are connected to the base, including the overhead guard, counterweight, axles, mast and wheels. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery provides balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Some lift trucks have a cab area which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are a lot of components situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts like the switches, levers, steering wheel, operator controls, seats and pedals. The dashboard contains operator readouts.