Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery utilized widely in business, especially in warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. A forklift truck is made of hundreds of parts, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts normally have a variety of attachments as well. The following are several of the most important forklift parts.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the back of the equipment. Various kinds of lift trucks have different kinds of engine which need varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its source of power: LP gas, CNG gas, gasoline or diesel. 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 vital of all the forklift components. This forms the equipment's core. All other lift truck parts are attached to the base, like for example the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what enables the machinery to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This part 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 lifted or carried on the front. The heavy lead-acid battery in an electric forklift offers balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some forklifts have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really many parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts like for instance the pedals, seats, switches, levers, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard contains operator readouts.