Forklift Parts in More Detail
A lift truck is constructed from many parts. The main components that make up a lift truck are the frame of the truck, the engine components, the overhead guard, the wheels and the tilt cylinders. Additionally, a lift truck consists of different types of attachments. All the parts making up a forklift are all essential as they work together to make the functions of the machine possible. The next paragraphs describe in detail some of the forklift parts.
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 whilst they are utilizing the machine. The overhead guard makes sure that nothing falling from above onto the truck would hurt the operator or damage the controls in the cab. The overhead guard is essential to the frame assembly on several 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 enables the forks to move up and down whilst providing lateral stability. The interlocking rails may either have rollers or bushings as guides. There are two ways the mast can be operated: hydraulically by one or more hydraulic cylinders or chain operated with motive power provided by a hydraulic motor.
Forklift Carriage - The carriage is the part that the forks and various other attachments are mounted to. Actually, the carriage is directly connected to the hydraulic cylinder and is connected by chains. In order to allow the forks to be raised and lowered, the carriage may have either rollers or bushings to guide it in the interlocking mast rails.
Load Back Rest - a back rest is a metal rack which keeps a load from falling backwards while 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 may be fixed to the front of the lift truck. The most common attachment is forks. Furthermore, there are rollers, rotators, L-shaped members, pole handlers, roll clamps and and all that. These various kinds of attachments are really useful for moving various types of loads.