The forklift is an important piece of machinery in most companies which operate distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. This wonder machine, the forklift is made of various components, including the essential carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Forklifts normally have a range of attachments also. The following are several of the most important forklift components.
Engine of the Forklift - the lift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Various kinds of lift trucks have various types of engine that require varying power sources. Like for example, a lift truck with an IC engine can have any of the following as its source of power: gasoline, diesel, 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 essential of all the lift truck parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the machine. All other forklift components are connected to the base, like for example the wheels, axles, mast overhead guard and counterweight. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Forklift Components - the counterweight is what enables the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy cargo. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame in order 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 could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really lots of parts situated within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important components as the seats, pedals, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.