Forklift Parts in More Detail
A lift truck is constructed from numerous components. The major parts which make up a lift truck are the frame of the truck, the engine components, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. Furthermore, a forklift consists of a variety of attachments. All the parts making up a lift truck are all essential because they work together to make the operation of the machinery possible. The next paragraphs describe in detail some of the forklift components.
The Overhead Guard - this guard forms the lift truck's metal roof. It sits over 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 harm the operator or damage the controls inside the cab. The overhead guard is essential to the frame assembly on some models.
The Mast - Mounted either to the front axle or the forklift frame, the mast is the vertical forklift part made of interlocking rails. The mast allows the forks to move upwards and down whilst providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails could either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are two ways the mast may 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 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 raised and lowered, the carriage could have either rollers or bushings to guide it in the interlocking mast rails.
Load Back Rest - a back rest is a metal rack that prevents a load from falling backwards while the carriage is lifted to its full height. The back rest is either bolted or welded on to the carriage.
Forklift Attachments - There are many types of attachments which can be fixed directly to the lift truck's carriage. Forks are the most common attachment. Additionally, there are rollers, rotators, L-shaped members, roll clamps, pole handlers and so on. These various attachments are very useful for transporting different types of loads.