Lift trucks are essential pieces of equipment utilized commonly in business, particularly in distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial facilities. A lift truck is constructed of hundreds of components, like the cab, the carriage, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Lift trucks normally have a variety of attachments too. The following are several of the most important lift truck components.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is made with a power source at the back of the machinery. Various kinds of lift trucks have various kinds of engine which need varying power sources. Like for instance, a lift truck with an IC engine can have any of the following as its power source: LP gas, CNG gas, diesel or gasoline. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from a battery or fuel cells.
Truck Frame - the base of the lift truck and the most important of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the machine's core. All other lift truck parts are connected to the base, like for example the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Lift Truck Parts - the counterweight is what enables the machine to be balanced while carrying heavy loads. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is connected to the rear-end of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the frame of the truck in order 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 that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are many components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such important parts as the operator controls, steering wheel, pedals, seats, levers and switches. The dashboard contains operator readouts.