Forklift trucks are important pieces of machines used commonly in business, especially within warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts generally have various types of attachments also. The following are some of the most important parts of a lift truck.
Engine of the Forklift - the lift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machine. Various kinds of lift trucks have various types of engine that need varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can have as its power source any of the following: gasoline, diesel, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the machine's core. All other components of a forklift are connected to the base, including the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight enables 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 to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being lifted or carried on the front. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery offers balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Lift trucks will sometimes have closed cabs while others will be open to the air. There are numerous parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important components like for example the seats, pedals, switches, levers, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard has operator readouts.