Forklift Parts in More Detail
A forklift is constructed from numerous parts. The major parts that make up a forklift truck are the truck frame, the engine parts, the overhead guard, the wheels and the tilt cylinders. Furthermore, a forklift has a variety of attachments. All the components which make up a forklift are of equal importance since they work together to make the operation of the machine possible. The following paragraphs describe in detail several of the lift truck parts.
The Overhead Guard - The overhead guard is really the lift truck's metal roof, that sits atop the operator cab. It's job is to protect the operator whilst they are using the machinery. The overhead guard ensures that nothing falling from above onto the truck will damage the controls inside the cab or hurt the operator. The overhead guard is vital to the frame assembly on some models.
The Mast - Mounted either to the forklift frame or the front axle, the mast is the vertical lift truck component made of interlocking rails. The mast enables the forks to move up and downwards whilst providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails may either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are two ways the mast could be operated: chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor or hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders.
Forklift Carriage - the forks and other attachments are mounted to the carriage. The carriage is connected to the mast directly to the hydraulic cylinder or it is attached by chains. To be able to allow the forks to be raised and lowered, the carriage may have either bushings or rollers to guide it in the interlocking mast rails.
Load Back Rest - When the carriage is raised to full height, there is a back rest made of metal that keeps a load from falling backwards. The back rest is either welded or bolted on to the carriage.
Lift Truck Attachments - a variety of attachments may be fixed to the front of the forklift truck. The most common attachment is forks. Moreover, there are L-shaped members, rollers, rotators, pole handlers, roll clamps and and all that. These different attachments are handy for moving various types of loads.