The lift truck is an essential piece of machinery in most businesses that operate distribution centers, warehouses, storage handling and industrial plants. This great machine, the lift truck is constructed of numerous parts, such as the essential carriage, the engine, the power source and the wheels. Forklifts normally have different kinds of attachments too. The following are several of the most important lift truck parts.
Lift Truck Engine - the forklift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machine. Different types of forklift truck have different types of engine which require varying power sources. Like for instance, a forklift with an internal combustion 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 fuel cells or a battery.
Truck Frame - the base of the forklift truck and the most vital of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the machine. All other lift truck parts are connected to the base, including the overhead guard, counterweight, wheels, axles and mast. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly as well.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - While carrying heavy cargo, the counterweight enables the machinery to be balanced. This specific part is cast iron and comes connected to the rear of the lift 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 - this part is where the operator sits and drives the equipment. Some lift trucks have a cab area that is open to the air and some have closed cabs. There are a lot of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab has such essential parts as the pedals, seats, levers, switches, steering wheel and operator controls. The dashboard contains operator readouts.