A forklift is an integral part of any warehouse environment, and these very useful machines are made up of many different parts. From batteries and cables to hydraulic hoses and electric motors, Forklift Parts are almost always heavy and made of durable materials. Below, you will learn more about what goes into the building of a forklift.
The Lift Carriage and Wheels
A lot of solid steel goes into the construction of a forklift’s lift carriage, as thick chains and heavy hydraulic cylinders propel the forks to the carriage’s top. Steel rims, rubber tires and a sturdy drive axle move the forklift from one place to another, and a seat, foot controls and steering wheel make it easier for the operator to control the machinery.
The Nuts & Bolts
A list of Forklift Parts Seattle will certainly include countless bolts, which hold the entire machine together. Any part not bolted together is welded; starting with the basic chassis, the forklift’s parts are installed until the machine is finished and driven away from the assembly line. Electric forklifts get a large motor with the capability of operating the hydraulic and propulsion systems, and many feet of wiring are used to connect the motor to several different batteries.
Gas Forklift Parts
Gas-propelled forklift models have two parts you will not find on an electric model: a muffler and a radiator. Both are attached to the engine, and a fuel line and tank mount are also added. Gas forklifts are run on LP (liquid propane) gas, which is used because its exhaust is not harmful to humans when the machinery is operated indoors. A gas forklift’s cooling system consists of several parts, from the aforementioned radiator to the cooling fan and various hoses which connect the radiator to the coolant pump and engine.
Steering & Transmission
Both gas and electric forklifts must have a steering system and a transmission. Most forklifts come with a basic forward/reverse transmission, and the majority of models also get a rear-steer assembly. By steering from the rear, the machine’s forks can pivot almost 90 degrees from a fixed position; this allows operators to place and remove pallets from very tightly-spaced shelving. The last part to be added to any forklift is the forks themselves; they are almost always shipped separately and installed by the machine’s owner.