Lift Truck Parts in More Detail
A forklift is constructed from numerous parts. The main components which make up a lift truck are the frame of the truck, the engine parts, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. In addition, a forklift has different types of attachments. All the parts making up a forklift are all essential as they work together to make the machine's operation possible. The subsequent paragraphs describe several of the lift truck components in detail.
The Overhead Guard - The overhead guard is actually the forklifts metal roof, which sits atop the operator cab. It's job is to protect the operator while they are using the equipment. The overhead guard makes sure that nothing falling from above onto the truck would damage the controls inside the cab or injure the driver. The overhead guard is integral 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 bushings or bushings as guides. There are a couple of ways the mast may be operated: chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor or hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders.
Forklift Carriage - the forks and various other attachments are mounted to the carriage. The carriage is connected to the mast directly to the hydraulic cylinder or it is connected by chains. To be able to enable 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 keeps a load from falling backwards. The back rest is either bolted or welded on to the carriage.
Forklift Attachments - There are many attachments that could be fixed directly to the lift truck's carriage. Forks are the most common type of attachment. Additionally, there are rollers, rotators, L-shaped members, pole handlers, roll clamps and so forth. These various kinds of attachments are handy for moving different kinds of loads.