Parts Of The Whole — Sections Of A Forklift

Just like any machine, a forklift depends on the sum of its parts to operate properly. If you take the time to count out the single parts that combine to form a forklift you’d come out with nine parts. They include:

• The Mast
• The Lift Cylinder
• The Tilt Cylinder
• The forklift’s Car
• The Forks
• The Load Backup
• The Counterweight
• The Operator’s Cab
• The Tires

Let’s take a look at each individual part to determine what it does.

The Mast

The forklift mast is one of the sections of a forklift that raises and lowers the load. On most forklifts, the mast appears in the front of the lift. Perhaps the worst thing about it is, it’s directly in the forklift operator’s line of sight.

The mast consists of an assortment of stages:

• Duplex
• Triplex
• Quadruple

The duplex mast includes two stages; the triplex has three stages, and the quadruple has four neck sections.

There are certain things you need to know when deciding what particular mast you need on your particular forklift. There are terms and features that describe the different configurations. The features you want to keep in mind when selecting a forklift for your particular situation are the mast lift height, the free lift height, and the extended and lowered heights. Knowing the proper feature you need in a forklift for your particular operation will assist in selecting the proper lift.

The Lift Cylinder

The lift cylinder of the vehicle is one of the sections of a forklift that powers the vertical movement of the mast. In other words, it either raises or lowers the mast or forks if they are attached to the mast. This component is commonly powered hydraulically and pushes in just one direction.

Tilt Cylinder

The tilt cylinder is one of the sections of a forklift that manages the tilt movement of the forklift’s carriage as well as the angle of the forks to the floor.

Forklift Car

The trolley or the platform is situated in front of the forklift mast. The platform encompasses the forklift forks, the load backrest, and other parts of the forklift that comes in direct contact with the load.

Forks

The forks is one of the sections of a forklift that has direct contact with the load being transported. They attach to the forklift carriage and carry the load. Forks are available to all shapes and sizes.

Load Backup

The load backup is another surface for the support of the load that is attached to the cart. It prevents the load from sliding toward the forklift operator while a load is lifted and carried.

Counterweight

A weight on the forklift that offsets the weight of the load is known as the counterweight. It assures that the forklift stays stable when it lifts and lowers a load. The forklift features a maximum transport capacity that uses the counterweight for balancing. So, in the case of choosing the proper counterweight with the forklift, you need to know the intended transport capacity of the forklift.

Operator’s Cab

The cab or cabin of the forklift is either open or closed. This is where the forklift operator controls the machine. The forklift operating controls are in the cab placed within easy reach of the operator.

Tires

There are a variety of tires available for forklifts. The two main types are solid tires, which are ideal for forklifts that are used indoors. The solid tire rim forklifts work best in warehouses and other indoor environments. Pneumatic tires are commonly used on forklifts that are used outdoors.

(Source: eforklifts.net)