Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used commonly in business, particularly in distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling plants. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Lift trucks usually have a range of attachments also. The following are some of the most essential components of a lift truck.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machine. Different kinds of lift trucks have various types of engine which need varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: LP gas, CNG gas, gasoline or diesel. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most important of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the machine's core. All other forklift components are attached to the base, including the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what allows the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy cargo. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck 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 may work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Several forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are really numerous parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts like for example the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, switches and levers. The dashboard contains operator readouts.