Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machines utilized commonly in business, specially in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A forklift truck is made of hundreds of parts, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts normally have various kinds of attachments also. The following are a few of the most important forklift parts.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the back of the machine. Various kinds of lift trucks have different types of engine that require varying power sources. Like for instance, a forklift with an internal combustion engine can 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 lift truck and the most important of all the forklift parts is the truck frame. This forms the core of the equipment. All other forklift components are attached to the base, including the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks could be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what allows the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck in order 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 offers balance and may function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Some lift trucks have a cab area which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are numerous components located 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 has operator readouts.