The forklift is an important piece of machinery in most companies which operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This great machinery, the lift truck is made of many components, including the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Lift trucks normally have different types of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important lift truck components.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machinery. Various types of forklift truck have various types of engine which need varying power sources. For example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the lift truck parts. This forms the equipment's core. All other components of a forklift are attached to the base, like the wheels, axles, mast overhead guard and counterweight. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While lifting heavy loads, the counterweight enables the machinery to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes attached to the back of the forklift. 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 may 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 numerous parts situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components like the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, switches and levers. The dashboard contains operator readouts.