Forklift Basics
A forklift is an all-around machinery. It is a small vehicle that has attachments on the front that allow it to move and lift various loads. Forklifts are common features inside factories and warehouses. The driver of a forklift needs to obtain special training, especially since these kinds of equipment operate on rear-wheel drive and this could be very hard to get used to until one is familiar with it. Since the forklift carries its load at the front, the center of gravity is always shifting and this results in the equipment being frequently unstable.
Parts
The lift truck operator will sit in the area known as the "cat." Its an area protected by metal bars that stretch overhead like a roof. On the front of the equipment, the mast is located. The mast is the mechanism that raises and lowers the load utilizing hydraulic cylinders.
Forklift Components
It is always a good idea to check the World Wide Web and the local area phone directory when looking for remanufactured forklift parts and aftermarket forklift components information. Many places provide various forklift components, forklift accessories and support products.
Structural Parts
The top part of a forklift is referred to as the overhead guard. The foot guard is the part which separates the cabin from the load. A counterweight is situated at the forklift's back and is installed there with a purpose to keep the machinery from falling over.
The forks and Apron
The load apron is typically responsible for keeping the load positioned correctly on the forks, or metal arms, cradle the cargo. The tines can be tilted with a purpose to balance the load. This is done using the tilting ram and the hydraulic hoist arm which powers the upward movement of the fork.
The Lift Structure
The load apron guard extends above the apron. It functions to keep the cargo balanced as the blades carry it along the track of the arms of the upright.
Mechanics
The internal engine on the forklift allows power to be sent to the wheels of the equipment. This is what makes the forklift move. The wheels have brakes installed so as to enable the driver the chance to stop or slow down the machine as needed.
Controls
Lifting loads is operated with hoist controls which are located in the cat. The lift truck is driven by using the steering wheel to turn, similar to a car or truck.
Load Rating Plate
The specific safety rating plate is bolted in the cabin. This load rating plate details the weight limitations for every specific type of forklift.