Forklift Parts and Functions

Forklift Components – Parts of a Forklift: A forklift is a small industrial vehicle, having a power-operated forked platform attached at the front that can be raised and lowered for insertion under a cargo to lift or move it. Forklifts serve the needs of various industries including warehouses and other large storage facilities.

Locating the common parts of a forklift is vital to make certain that your operators are reliably using equipment as intended in a safe manner. The following list of forklift terminology will help to ensure all associates are prepared to use the equipment effectively and identify the forklift parts that require the attention of a maintenance technician.

Forklift parts name

Forklifts are powered by electric batteries or combustion engines. Some Forklifts allow the operators to sit while driving and operating the machine while others require the operator to stand. It is being extensively used throughout the industry for transporting materials and goods.

If you could list the most essential forklift components, what would they be? Every part of a forklift is “important” in some way, but which ones really stand out? Certain forklift parts and functions are designed to maintain the safety of the equipment and to help prevent malfunctions that can lead to severe accidents.

• tires
• frame
• counterweight
• cab
• fuel
• main lift cylinder
• mast
• carriage
• load backrest
• attachments

Forklift parts and functions

Forklift tires

Tires: There are many types of tires available, both for indoor and outdoor use*, but not all tires are made the same. It is important to consult with a tire expert who can make sure that the correct rubber compound and traction pattern are used. Then you must check to make sure you are not being sold recycled tires or cheaper versions made overseas.

Forklift frame

Truck Frame: is the base of the machine to which the mast, axles, wheels, counterweight, overhead guard, and power source are attached. The frame may have fuel and hydraulic fluid tanks constructed as part of the frame assembly.

Counterweight forklift

Counterweight – is a mass attached to the rear of the forklift truck frame. The purpose of the counterweight is to counterbalance the load being lifted. In an electric forklift, the large lead-acid battery itself may serve as part of the counterweight.

Forklift overhead guard

Overhead Guard: this is a metal roof supported by posts at each corner of the cab that helps protect the operator from any falling objects. On some forklifts, the overhead guard is an integrated part of the frame assembly.

Forklift main lift cylinder

Tilt cylinders are hydraulic cylinders that are mounted to the truck frame and the mast. The tilt cylinders pivot the mast backward or forward to assist in engaging a load.

Cab forklift

Cab: is the area that contains a seat for the operator along with the control pedals, steering wheel, levers, switches, and a dashboard containing operator readouts. The cab area may be open-air or enclosed but it is covered by the cage-like overhead guard assembly. When enclosed, the cab may also be equipped with a cab heater for cold climate countries along with a fan or air conditioning for hot weather.

Forklift mast

Mast: is the vertical assembly that does the work of raising and lowering the load. It is made up of interlocking rails that also provide lateral stability. The interlocking rails may either have rollers or bushings as guides.

The mast is driven hydraulically, and operated by one or more hydraulic cylinders directly or using chains from the cylinder/s. It may be mounted to the front axle or the frame of the forklift. A ‘container mast’ variation allows the forks to raise a few meters without increasing the total height of the forklift. This is useful when double-loading pallets into a container or under a mezzanine floor.

Forklift components

Each part and component on a counterbalanced forklift is designed to perform a specific job and the safe operation of a forklift includes the operator understanding its moving parts, capabilities, and limitations.

Forklift carriage

Carriage: is the component to which the forks or other attachments mount. It is mounted into and moves up and down the mast rails by means of chains or by being directly attached to the hydraulic cylinder. Like the mast, the carriage may have either rollers or bushings to guide it in the interlocking mast rails.

Forklift load backrest

Load Back Rest: is a rack-like extension that is either bolted or welded to the carriage in order to prevent the load from shifting backward when the carriage is lifted to full height.

Attachments forklift

Attachments: may consists of a mechanism that is attached to the carriage, either permanently or temporarily, to help in the proper engagement of the load. A variety of material handling attachments are available. Some attachments include side shifters, slip sheet attachments, carton clamps, multipurpose clamps, rotators, fork positioners, carpet poles, pole handlers, container handlers, and roll clamps.

Forklift forks

The forks are long extensions (like arms) that are attached to the carriage. They are used to support the load from the bottom. They come in a variety of widths and adjust from right to left on the carriage.

Forklift Power Source

Power Source: may consist of an internal combustion engine that can be powered by LP gas, CNG gas, gasoline or diesel fuel. Electric forklifts are powered by either a battery or fuel cells that provide power to the electric motors. The electric motors used on a forklift may be either DC or AC types.

Components and parts of forklift

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