The lift truck is an important piece of equipment in most businesses that operate distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. This wonder equipment, the lift truck is constructed of numerous components, such as the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Lift trucks normally have different kinds of attachments also. The following are several of the most important forklift components.
Engine of the Lift Truck - At the rear of the equipment, the forklift has its power source. The different types of engine on the forklift would need varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an IC engine can have any of the following as its power source: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most essential of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the machine. All other components of a forklift are attached to the base, like for example the counterweight, overhead guard, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks may be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While carrying heavy cargo, the counterweight enables the equipment to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes connected to the rear of the forklift. The counterbalance balances the truck frame in order to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being lifted or carried on the front. In an electric forklift, the heavy lead-acid battery gives balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts would sometimes have closed cabs while others will be open to the air. There are really many components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential components as the pedals, seats, switches, levers, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard has operator readouts.