The lift truck is an important piece of equipment in most companies that operate warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling facilities. This great equipment, the lift truck is made of various components, including the important carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Forklifts generally have various kinds of attachments also. The following are several of the most essential lift truck parts.
Engine of the Lift Truck - At the back of the equipment, the lift truck has its power source. The different types of engine on the forklift will require varying power sources. For instance, a lift truck with an IC engine can 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.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the forklift components is the truck frame. This forms the equipment's core. All other parts of a lift truck are attached to the base, including the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what allows the equipment to be balanced while lifting heavy loads. This part 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 so as 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 gives balance and can function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Several forklifts have a cab area which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are many parts located within the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential components like the levers, switches, steering wheel, operator controls, pedals and seats. The dashboard has operator readouts.