Forklift Parts in More Detail
A forklift is constructed from numerous parts. The main components that make up a forklift truck are the truck frame, the engine components, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. Furthermore, a lift truck consists of different types of attachments. All the parts that make up a lift truck are of equal importance since they work together to make the equipment's functions possible. The following paragraphs describe in detail a few of the forklift components.
The Overhead Guard - this guard forms the lift truck's metal roof. It sits on top of the cab area and protects the machine operator whilst he or she is sitting and driving. The overhead guard ensures that nothing falling from above onto the truck will damage the controls in the cab or harm the driver. The overhead guard is essential to the frame assembly on various models.
The Mast - Mounted either to the forklift frame or the front axle, the mast is the vertical forklift component made of interlocking rails. The mast enables the forks to move up and downwards whilst providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails can either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are two ways the mast can be operated: chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor or hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders.
Lift Truck Carriage - The carriage is the component that the forks and other types of attachments are mounted to. The carriage is in fact directly attached to the hydraulic cylinder and is connected by chains. In order to allow the forks to be raised and lowered, the carriage can have either bushings or rollers to guide it in the interlocking mast rails.
Load Back Rest - While the carriage is lifted to full height, there is a back rest made of metal which prevents a load from falling backwards. The back rest is either bolted or welded on to the carriage.
Forklift Attachments - There are various types of attachments which can be fixed directly to the lift truck's carriage. Forks are the most common kind of attachment. Also, there are L-shaped members, rotators, rollers, pole handlers, roll clamps and and all that. These different kinds of attachments are helpful for transporting various kinds of loads.