The lift truck is an important piece of equipment in most businesses which operate warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. This wonder machinery, the forklift is constructed of many components, such as the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Lift trucks usually have a variety of attachments too. The following are some of the most important components of a lift truck.
Engine of the Forklift - At the back of the machine, the forklift has its power source. The different types of engine on the lift truck would need varying power sources. For example, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could have as its power source any of the following: gasoline, diesel, LP gas or CNG gas. Electric motor lift trucks receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most essential of all the lift truck components is the frame of the truck. This forms the equipment's core. All other components of a lift truck are attached to the base, including the wheels, axles, mast counterweight and overhead guard. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can be part of the frame assembly also.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what allows the machine to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This part is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the forklift 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 lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery offers balance and could function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts will sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are lots of parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts like for example the pedals, seats, levers, switches, operator controls and steering wheel. The dashboard contains operator readouts.