Forklift Basics
A forklift is an all-around machinery. It is a small vehicle that has attachments on the front which allow it to lift and move a variety of loads. Forklifts are common features in factories and warehouses. A forklift operator should acquire special training, especially since these kinds of equipment work on rear-wheel drive and this could be difficult to get used to until one is familiar with it. As the forklift carries its load at the front, the center of gravity is continually shifting and this results in the machine being somewhat unstable.
Parts
The forklift driver will sit in the area called the "cat." Its an area protected by metal bars which stretch overhead like a roof. On the front of the machine, the mast is located. The mast is the mechanism which lowers and raises the load utilizing hydraulic cylinders.
Forklift Parts
It is always a good idea to check the World Wide Web and the local area phone book when looking for remanufactured forklift parts and aftermarket forklift components information. Lots of places offer a full variety of support products, forklift parts and forklift accessories.
Structural Parts
The top part of a forklift is referred to as the overhead guard. The foot guard is the portion that separates the load from the cabin. A counterweight is situated at the back of the forklift and is installed there with a purpose to keep the equipment from falling over.
The blades and Apron
The load apron is commonly responsible for keeping the load positioned well on the metal arms, or forks, cradle the cargo. The tines can be tilted with a purpose to balance the load. This is accomplished with the tilting ram and the hydraulic hoist arm that powers the upward movement of the fork.
The Lift Structure
The guard of the load apron extends well over the apron. It works to keep the cargo balanced as the forks carry it along the track of the arms of the upright.
Mechanics
The internal engine on the forklift enables power to be sent to the wheels of the equipment. This is what moves the forklift. The wheels have brakes installed so as to enable the driver the chance to slow down or stop the machine as needed.
Controls
The lift is operated utilizing hoist controls that resemble a bunch of stick-shaped levers. The forklift is driven by utilizing the steering wheel to turn, similar to a truck or car.
Load Rating Plate
This plate is located in the cabin. This load rating plate details the weight limitations for each specific kind of forklift.