Would you like to better understand what each component of a forklift is called, and what it does?
Whether your forklift is part of your Charlotte warehouse or out on a job site, you know the important role it plays to keep products and supplies moving. It's a valuable member of the team that carries the loads that would be impossible to move otherwise.
It's important for you, then, to know how your forklift works and understand the role of the parts of a forklift. If you want to buy a used forklift in Charlotte or are even considering renting one, you need to understand how this machine works.
Let's take a closer look at the parts of a forklift and what their role is in making the machine do its job.
Cab
The cab of the forklift holds the forklift operator. It's where the controls for the forklift are located. Inside the cab, you'll find the hydraulic controls for the forks and mast, along with the accelerator pedal and brake. It also contains the gauges to let you know how the machine is running.
Carriage
The carriage is often an unnoticed but necessary part of the forklift for it to work. This part of the forklift works to mount the forks or other forklift attachment onto the mast of the forklift. Its role is to be a support structure in holding the forks or attachment in place.
Counterweight
Another important part of the forklift is the counterweight. It's what keeps the rear of forklift on the ground as it lifts heavy loads. It helps to balance the forklift as it lifts the load.
The counterweight is located down low at the back of the forklift. This part of the forklift is installed by the manufacturer.
Forks
The forks of the forklift support the load being lifted by the machine. The forks look almost like arms that extend out from the machine. They slide into the pallet of the load being lifted.
The forks are attached to the machine at the carriage, as mentioned earlier. You can change out forks on a forklift, choosing, longer or shorter ones. You can also get forks in a variety of widths.
Hydraulic Lift Cylinder
The hydraulic lift cylinder is the part of the forklift that brings together the mast, forks, and carriage and lets them lift the load. The amount of vertical lift a forklift has is controlled by the hydraulic lift cylinder.
Load Backrest
The load backrest is part of the forklift that keeps the load from sliding into the driver or falling in between the mast or to the ground. It's an upright flat surface at the back of the forks and in front of the mast. It helps to keep the load from moving around.
Mast
On the forklift the mast is the part that actually does the lifting. There are a variety of different types of masts that will adjust the height a lift can be raised. The chains inside the mast work with the hydraulic lift cylinder to raise and lower the load.
Overhead Guard
The overhead guard is a safety feature that protects the driver in the event a load that's raised up should fall. The overhead guard attaches to the cab. Usually this guard is a grate, so it doesn't protect the driver from small pieces of debris that might fall, but it would protect from a larger object.
Power Source
Forklifts can be powered from a variety of power sources. You should consider where and how you use the machine when deciding on a power source. Let's take a closer look at the power source options.
Electric Forklift Parts
An electric forklift runs with a motor versus an engine. These machines run on an electric charge and need to get recharged. They don't release fumes and are good for indoor use.
Diesel
A diesel-powered machine runs the engine using diesel fuel. This type of power is best used outside because of the fumes. Often a diesel forklift will be used at outdoor construction sites where it's used on large and heavy loads.
