Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used commonly in business, particularly in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have a range of attachments too. The following are some of the most essential forklift components.
Engine of the Lift Truck - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machine. Different types of lift trucks have various types of engine that require varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine can have any of the following as its source of power: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the lift truck components is the truck frame. This forms the core of the machinery. All other forklift components are attached to the base, like the mast, wheels, axles overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the equipment to be balanced. This specific 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 carried or lifted on the front. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric lift truck offers balance and may function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Several lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are really numerous components situated in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts as the switches, levers, operator controls, steering wheel, pedals and seats. The dashboard contains operator readouts.