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