Forklift Components in More Detail
There are numerous components that make up a forklift. The forklifts major components comprise the frame of the truck, the engine components, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. What's more, a forklift has various kinds of attachments. All the components making up a forklift are of equal importance as they work together to make the operation of the machinery possible. The following paragraphs describe in detail a few 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 utilizing the machinery. The overhead guard makes sure that nothing falling from above onto the truck will hurt the operator or damage the controls inside the cab. The overhead guard is integral to the frame assembly on various 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 can either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are a couple of ways the mast may be operated: hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders or chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor.
Lift Truck Carriage - the forks and different other types 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 enable the forks to be lowered and raised, the carriage could have either bushings or rollers 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 when the carriage is lifted to its full height. The back rest is either welded or bolted on to the carriage.
Forklift Attachments - There are various types of attachments that could be fixed directly to the forklifts carriage. Forks are the most common attachment. Additionally, there are rotators, rollers, L-shaped members, roll clamps, pole handlers and so on. These various attachments are really handy for moving various types of loads.