Forklift Parts in More Detail
There are numerous components that make up a forklift. The lift truck's main parts include the frame of the truck, the engine components, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. Also, a lift truck consists of various types of attachments. All the components making up a lift truck are of equal importance as they work together to make the equipment's operation possible. The following paragraphs describe in detail some of the lift truck components.
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 machinery. The overhead guard makes sure that nothing falling from above onto the truck will injure the driver or damage the controls in the cab. The overhead guard is integral to the frame assembly on some models.
The Mast - Mounted either to the front axle or the forklift frame, the mast is the vertical lift truck part made of interlocking rails. The mast allows the forks to move upwards and downwards while providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails may either have bushings or bushings as guides. There are two ways the mast may be operated: chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor or hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders.
Lift Truck Carriage - the forks and various other kinds of attachments are mounted to the carriage. The carriage is connected to the mast directly to the hydraulic cylinder or it is connected by chains. In order 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 - a back rest is a metal rack which prevents a load from falling backwards when the carriage is raised to its full height. The back rest is either bolted or welded on to the carriage.
Forklift Attachments - a range of attachments could be fixed to the front of the lift truck. The most common kind of attachment is forks. Furthermore, there are L-shaped members, rollers, rotators, pole handlers, roll clamps and so on. These various types of attachments are handy for moving various types of loads.