Lift trucks are essential pieces of machines utilized widely in business, specially in distribution centers, warehouses, industrial and storage handling plants. A lift truck is made of hundreds of components, including the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have various kinds of attachments too. The following are some of the most essential forklift components.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the machine. Various types of forklift truck have different types of engine which require varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine could have any of the following as its source of power: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - 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 machinery. All other components of a lift truck are connected to the base, like for example the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy cargo. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame so as 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 lift truck offers balance and can work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also known as the operator compartment. Forklifts will sometimes have closed cabs whilst others will be open to the air. There are really many components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential parts as the pedals, seats, switches, levers, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.