The lift truck is an important piece of machinery in most companies that operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. This great machinery, the forklift is made of numerous components, such as the essential carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts generally have various types of attachments as well. The following are some of the most essential components of a forklift.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Various types of lift trucks have different kinds of engine that need varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: diesel, gasoline, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Frame of The Truck - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the machine. All other forklift components are connected to the base, like for instance the overhead guard, counterweight, mast, wheels and axles. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what enables the equipment to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the backend of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 provides balance and may function 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 would be open to the air. There are really lots of components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such important parts like for example the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, switches and levers. The dashboard contains operator readouts.