Forklift trucks are essential pieces of equipment used widely in business, particularly within warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. A forklift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, such as the carriage, the cab, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have a variety of attachments as well. The following are several of the most essential forklift components.
Forklift Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machinery. Various kinds of forklift truck have different types of engine that require varying power sources. Like for instance, a forklift with an IC engine can have any of the following as its power source: diesel, gasoline, CNG gas or LP 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 lift truck parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the equipment's core. All other components of a lift truck are connected to the base, like for example the axles, mast, wheels overhead guard and counterweight. Hydraulic fluid and fuel tanks may also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While carrying heavy loads, the counterweight allows the machinery to be balanced. This specific component is cast iron and comes connected to the rear of the forklift. 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 lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery gives balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this area is where the operator sits and drives the machine. Several lift trucks have a cab area which is open to the air and several have closed cabs. There are a lot of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential components as the steering wheel, operator controls, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard has operator readouts.