Forklift trucks are important pieces of machines used commonly in business, especially within distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts generally have a variety of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important forklift components.
Lift Truck Engine - At the back of the equipment, the forklift has its power source. The various types of engine on the forklift would need varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine can have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP 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 important of all the forklift components is the truck frame. This forms the equipment's core. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, like for example the wheels, axles, mast overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy cargo. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift 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. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric lift truck gives balance and can function 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 some have closed cabs. There are many parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts like for instance the seats, pedals, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard has operator readouts.