Lift trucks are essential pieces of machines used widely in business, especially within warehouses, distribution centers, storage handling and industrial plants. A forklift truck is made of hundreds of components, including the carriage, the cab, the power source, the engine and the wheels. Forklifts usually have various kinds of attachments also. The following are some of the most essential components of a lift truck.
Lift Truck Engine - the lift truck is designed with a power source at the rear of the machinery. Different types of forklift truck have different kinds of engine that require varying power sources. For instance, a forklift with an internal combustion engine could 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.
Frame of The Truck - the base of the lift truck and the most essential of all the forklift parts is the frame of the truck. This forms the core of the machinery. All other forklift components are attached to the base, including the counterweight, overhead guard, mast, wheels and axles. Fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks could be part of the frame assembly too.
Counterweight Lift Truck Components - the counterweight is what allows the equipment 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 truck frame to prevent it from tipping over when a load is being carried or lifted on the front. In an electric lift truck, the heavy lead-acid battery gives balance and could work as part of the counterweight.
The Cab Area - The cab is also referred to as the operator compartment. Forklifts would sometimes have closed cabs while others would be open to the air. There are lots of components located in the cab for operating the forks. The cab contains such essential components as the switches, levers, steering wheel, operator controls, seats and pedals. The dashboard has operator readouts.