Forklift trucks are essential pieces of equipment used commonly in business, especially within distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of parts, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts normally have different kinds of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important parts of a lift truck.
Engine of the Lift Truck - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machinery. Various 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 power source: LP gas, CNG gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most essential of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift parts are attached to the base, like the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what allows the machinery to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck in order 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 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 which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really numerous parts situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important components like for instance the seats, pedals, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.