The forklift is an important piece of machinery in most companies that operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This great equipment, the forklift is constructed of numerous parts, like the important carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have a variety of attachments too. The following are several of the most essential forklift parts.
Engine of the Forklift - At the back of the machinery, the lift truck has its power source. The various types of engine on the forklift would require varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an IC engine can have any of the following as its source of power: LP gas, CNG gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most vital of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, like the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks may also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While lifting heavy cargo, the counterweight enables the equipment to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes connected to the back of the forklift. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck in order to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. In an electric forklift, the heavy lead-acid battery gives balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are really lots of parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts as the pedals, seats, switches, levers, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.