The lift truck is an important piece of machine in most companies which operate distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling plants. This great machine, the lift truck is constructed of various components, such as the important carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have a variety of attachments as well. The following are some of the most essential forklift components.
Engine of the Forklift - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Different kinds of lift trucks have different kinds of engine which need varying power sources. For example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the lift truck components is the truck frame. This forms the machine's core. All other parts of a lift truck are attached to the base, like the axles, mast, wheels overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric lift truck provides balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Forklifts would sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are many components situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts like for instance the pedals, seats, switches, levers, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard has operator readouts.