Lift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used commonly in business, especially within warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is made of hundreds of components, such as the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks generally have different types of attachments as well. The following are some of the most important forklift components.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift 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. For instance, a lift truck with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: CNG gas, LP gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the lift truck components. This forms the machine's core. All other components of a forklift are attached to the base, like the counterweight, overhead guard, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks may be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - the counterweight is what allows the machinery to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the rear-end of the lift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being lifted or carried 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 part is where the operator sits and drives the machine. Several forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are numerous components located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts like for instance the levers, switches, operator controls, steering wheel, seats and pedals. The dashboard has operator readouts.