Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery utilized widely in business, specially in warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Lift trucks normally have different types of attachments too. The following are some of the most essential components of a lift truck.
Forklift Engine - the lift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machinery. Various types of forklift truck have different kinds of engine which require varying power sources. For instance, 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 lift trucks receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the forklift truck and the most important of all the lift truck parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the machinery. All other components of a lift truck are connected to the base, including the axles, mast, wheels overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While lifting heavy cargo, the counterweight allows the machine to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck so as to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery offers balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machine. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are numerous parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts as the pedals, seats, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard contains operator readouts.