The forklift is a material handling machinery used to lift and transport loads from one location to another. Each and every component of a forklift has a particular function. Various components can be used to move the load horizontally or vertically.
Mast
The components used to lower and lift the load is known as the forklift mast. There are various types of masts for raising loads to different heights: simplex, duplex, triplex and quad.
Power Supply
There are four various ways you can power a forklift: gas, electric, diesel and propane. The battery is located inside the cab beneath the seat. The propane tank is located on the rear of the truck. The fuel tank on gas and diesel forklifts is underneath the back of the truck.
Cab
The forklift cab is located in the center of the truck. This is where the operator sits and accesses all the controls and informational gauges. The steering wheel, gas pedal, tilting controls, brake and lifting controls are all located in the cab.
Frame
The frame of the truck carries all the largest parts of the forklift, including the counterweights, that are situated at the back so as to stop the truck from tipping when loaded. The frame consists of the overhead guard which protects the operator. The undercarriage holds the axles, wheels and driveshaft.