Lift trucks are important pieces of machinery used widely in business, particularly in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of parts, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Lift trucks usually have various types of attachments as well. The following are several of the most essential lift truck parts.
Forklift Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the back of the equipment. Different kinds of lift trucks have various kinds of engine that require varying power sources. Like for example, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its power source: gasoline, diesel, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the lift truck components. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift components are attached to the base, like for instance the counterweight, overhead guard, axles, mast and wheels. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the equipment to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the forklift. 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 gives balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Lift trucks will sometimes have closed cabs whilst others will be open to the air. There are numerous components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts like the operator controls, steering wheel, pedals, seats, switches and levers. The dashboard has operator readouts.