Forklift trucks are important pieces of machines utilized widely in business, specially within warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, like the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks normally have a range of attachments too. The following are some of the most important forklift parts.
Engine of the Lift Truck - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the equipment. Different types of lift trucks have different types of engine which require varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can have any of the following as its power source: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the lift truck components is the truck frame. This forms the core of the machine. All other forklift components are connected to the base, like the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While lifting heavy cargo, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This particular part is cast iron and comes attached to the back of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame so as 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 provides balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts will sometimes have closed cabs whilst others would be open to the air. There are numerous components situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts like the levers, switches, steering wheel, operator controls, seats and pedals. The dashboard contains operator readouts.