The lift truck is an essential piece of machinery in most companies which operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This wonder machine, the lift truck is constructed of numerous components, including the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have a range of attachments too. The following are a few of the most important forklift components.
Engine of the Lift Truck - At the back of the machine, the forklift has its power source. The different types of engine on the forklift will need varying power sources. Like for example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have any of the following as its source of power: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Frame of The Truck - The frame of the truck is the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the machinery. All other forklift parts are connected to the base, like for example the wheels, axles, mast counterweight and overhead guard. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Forklift Components - While carrying heavy cargo, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This particular component is cast iron and comes attached to the rear of the lift 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. In an electric forklift, the heavy lead-acid battery offers balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Several forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really a lot of components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important components like for instance the seats, pedals, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.