Forklift Basics
Forklifts are very versatile machinery. The machinery are typically small vehicles with various attachments that enable it to move and lift loads. Warehouses and factories all around the globe would use forklifts. A forklift operator has to acquire special training, particularly since these machines work on rear-wheel drive and this could be really hard to get used to until one is familiar with it. As the forklift carries its load at the front, the center of gravity is continually shifting and this results in the machinery being unstable quite often.
Parts
The lift truck driver would sit in the area referred to as the "cat." Its an area protected by metal bars that stretch overhead like a roof. On the front of the machinery, the mast is situated. The mast is the mechanism that lowers and raises the load utilizing hydraulic cylinders.
Forklift Parts
When searching for information on forklift components and aftermarket forklift parts, it is a good idea to check out the World Wide Web or your local phone directory. Numerous places offer various forklift components, forklift accessories and support products.
Structural Components
The top part of a forklift is referred to as the overhead guard. The foot guard is the part that separates the load from the cabin. A counterweight is situated at the rear of the forklift and is installed there with a purpose to keep the machine from falling over.
The tines and Apron
The load apron is usually responsible for keeping the load positioned well on the forks, or metal arms, cradle the load. The forks could be tilted in order to balance the load. This is done using the tilting ram and the hydraulic hoist arm which powers the upward movement of the fork.
The Lift Structure
The load apron guard extends above the apron. It functions to keep the load balanced when the forks carry it along the track of the arms of the upright.
Mechanics
The forklifts internal combustion engine allows the power to be sent to the machinery wheels, providing the lift truck with movement. The wheels have brakes installed in order to enable the driver the chance to slow down or stop the machinery as required.
Controls
Lifting loads is operated using hoist controls which are located in the cat. The forklift is driven by using the steering wheel to turn, similar to a car or truck.
Load Rating Plate
This plate is located inside the cabin. This load rating plate details the weight limitations for every particular forklift.