Forklift Components in More Detail
A forklift is constructed from numerous components. The major parts that make up a lift truck are the frame of the truck, the engine parts, the overhead guard, the tilt cylinders and the wheels. Furthermore, a lift truck consists of various types of attachments. All the components which make up a forklift are of equal importance since they work together to make the operation of the equipment possible. The next paragraphs describe in detail several of the forklift components.
The Overhead Guard - this guard forms the forklift truck's metal roof. It sits above the cab area and protects the machinery operator while she or he is sitting and driving. The overhead guard makes sure that nothing falling from above onto the truck will harm the driver or damage the controls inside the cab. The overhead guard is vital to the frame assembly on various units.
The Mast - Mounted either to the forklift frame or the front axle, the mast is the vertical lift truck part made of interlocking rails. The mast allows the forks to move up and down while providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails may either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are a couple of ways the mast can 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 attached 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 can have either rollers or bushings 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.
Lift Truck Attachments - There are many types of attachments which can be fixed directly to the forklifts carriage. Forks are the most common attachment. In addition, there are L-shaped members, rollers, rotators, roll clamps, pole handlers and and all that. These various types of attachments are really useful for moving various types of loads.