Forklift trucks are important pieces of equipment used commonly in business, specially within distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. A forklift truck is made of hundreds of parts, including the carriage, the cab, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have various types of attachments too. The following are a few of the most essential parts of a lift truck.
Forklift Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the equipment. Various kinds of lift trucks have different types of engine which require varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: gasoline, diesel, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the lift truck components is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the equipment. All other components of a forklift are connected to the base, including the wheels, axles, mast counterweight and overhead guard. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what allows the machine to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the backend of the forklift 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 forklift provides balance and may work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are really lots of parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential components like for instance the operator controls, steering wheel, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.