Raw Materials
The cab, body, frame and boom of a telescoping boom rough terrain forklift are generally made by a forklift manufacturer. The most common material used for these subassemblies is steel, because of its tremendous strength. Sometimes aluminum or steel forgings are also used. It is common for non-metallic materials like for example nylon plastic blocks to be utilized as guides within the boom assembly. The other parts are typically purchased as finished products and the forklift maker installs them.
Pre-assembled bought products could comprise several of the following: seat, transmission, axles, engine, hoses, tires and wheels, backup-alarm, lights, gauges and hydraulic cylinders. Normally, some materials like the fuel and lubricants and hydraulic fluids are purchased in bulk. These liquids are added as required once the machine is assembled and has passed the rigorous testing sessions.
Design
The long and narrow design of the telescoping boom rough terrain forklift is most common, with a set of wheels at the front of the unit and another set located towards the back of the machinery. The boom part of the model is mounted at the back of the forklift off of a pivot feature which is elevated a few feet above the level of the frame. Normally, the cab is mounted on the left-hand side of the frame structure. Typically, the bottom half of the cab is low and situated between the tires. The fuel tank and the hydraulic fuel tank are mounted opposite the cab on the right-hand side. Along the vehicle's center-line, the engine and the transmission are mounted in the frame.
Beyond this basic configuration, various manufacturers have contributed to their own unique design. On the market these days, there are numerous options offered. Certain models of forklifts utilize a single hydraulic cylinder in order to raise the boom, and other models utilize 2 cylinders. Some units utilize a side-to-side hydraulic frame leveling capability. This particular feature allows the frame to tilt up to 10 degrees relative to the axles so as to enable the equipment to compensate for extreme axle articulation. Like for example, this is used when the tires on one side of the forklift are located down in a rut and the tires on the other side of the equipment are up, situated on a mound of dirt.
Another popular design feature comprises fork attachments which are capable of swinging up to 45 degrees both left and right, in order to enable accurate load positioning.