The lift truck is an important piece of equipment in most businesses that operate warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. This great machine, the forklift is constructed of various components, like the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have various types of attachments as well. The following are a few of the most essential components of a lift truck.
Forklift Engine - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machinery. Various types of forklift truck have different types of engine that require varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an IC engine could have any of the following as its power source: gasoline, diesel, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the forklift truck and the most essential of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the machine. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, including the mast, wheels, axles counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end 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. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric forklift gives balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts will sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are lots of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important components as the seats, pedals, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard contains operator readouts.