Forklift trucks are essential pieces of machinery used commonly in business, especially within warehouses, distribution centers, industrial and storage handling plants. A forklift truck is made of hundreds of components, like the carriage, the cab, the power source, the wheels and the engine. Forklifts generally have different types of attachments too. The following are several of the most essential forklift parts.
Engine of the Forklift - the lift truck is made with a power source at the rear of the equipment. Various types of forklift truck have various kinds of engine which 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, CNG gas or LP gas. Electric motor forklifts receive their power from fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - The truck frame is the base of the forklift and the most important of all the forklift components. This forms the core of the machinery. All other lift truck parts are attached to the base, including the mast, wheels, axles overhead guard and counterweight. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks can also be part of the frame assembly.
Counterweight Forklift Parts - the counterweight is what enables the equipment to be balanced while carrying heavy cargo. This component is made of heavy cast iron and is attached to the backend of the forklift truck. The counterbalance balances the truck frame 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 may function as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - this part is where the operator sits and drives the machinery. Several lift trucks have a cab area which is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are really numerous parts located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts like the seats, pedals, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard has operator readouts.