Terms for Forklift Components
A forklift is a mobile piece of equipment that lifts a load, moves the load and lowers the load into another position. Commonly called an industrial truck or lift truck, trained personnel operate the forklift and perform daily inspections. The inspections cover different components of the forklift and have a variety of terms to describe each component.
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Safety Components
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The safety components on a forklift include the backup alarm, overhead guard, lights, horn, lift meter, safety belt or seat belt, and instrument panel. The backup alarm sounds when the forklift is in reverse gear. The overhead guard protects the driver from falling objects. The lights automatically turn on when the forklift is operating so workers can see the forklift at a distance. A lift meter informs the operator of any problems with the load such as overloading the forklift. The instrument panel informs the forklift operator of the oil pressure, hydraulic pressure, battery life, fuel capacity and other factors applicable to the operation and condition of the forklift during operation.
Lifting Components
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The lifting components raise and lower a load. The lifting components of a forklift are the parts that pick up a load. The forks are two extensions protruding from the front of the forklift that slide under the load so lifting is accomplished. The lifting cylinders and lift chains perform the actual lifting of the load. The mast of the forklift guides the lifting cylinders and lifting chains while allowing the forks to raise vertically. A horizontal tilt cylinder allows the forks to move forward or backward so the load is evenly distributed. For example, the front forks tilt down or forward so it can slide under the load, but once the load is in place, the cylinders tilt backward or upward to secure the load in place.
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Cab
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The cab of a forklift holds the operator and the controls. The cab holds the operator and the controls of the forklift: the steering wheel, gas pedal, brake pedal, emergency brake, lifting controls, signals and other operating components. The lifting controls are easily accessible by the operator as he sits in the driver's seat of the cab.
Power Source
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Forklifts operate with different power sources. LP gas, electric or battery power, gasoline or diesel fuel make up the different power supplies of a forklift. The environment in which the forklift operates determines the type of power source required. For example, a forklift operated inside a manufacturing facility usually operates on battery power or LP gas. Outside forklifts, which load and unload trailers or move cargo boxes, are commonly powered by gasoline or diesel fuel.
Frame
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The frame of the forklift holds all the components together. A counterweight or counterbalance sits on the back of the frame so the load does not tip the forklift forward. The location of the battery is under the seat and enclosed inside the frame of the forklift. A drive shaft, tires, axles, transmission and other moving components attach to the frame of the forklift so no moving parts outside the lifting components create any safety hazards.
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References
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