Forklifts consist of several parts which are divided according to their specific functions. A forklift is a material handling tool that has a functions to lift, move, or organize material with large capacities.
Before operating a forklift, it’s good to know the parts. The forklift parts in general and their functions are as follows:
1. Mast
The mast is made of two thick pieces of iron in the middle of a hydraulic system. The function of this mast is to lift, lower and tilt the material.
It can be said that this mast is one of the most important parts of a forklift. The mast is positioned above the lift cylinder at the front.
2. Lift Cylinder
The second part of the forklift is the lift cylinder which has a function to regulate the lifting, lowering and tilting of materials.
The way this part works is by moving the cylinder rod which is regulated by the incoming and outgoing oil in the form of pressure. It is positioned directly under the mast or directly in front of the forklift carrier.
3. Back Rest
The function of the back rest is to protect the mast, so that the items on the fork do not fall when tilted backwards. So this part of the forklift is also important because every part of the forklift has its own function. The position of the back rest is in the middle position between the lift cylinder and the carriage.
4. Carriage
The carriage has a role as a link between the mast and fork. As for the function itself, it is a security backrest for the materials when the materials are above the mast. This carriage is positioned above the fork and right in the middle between the tires of the forklift.
5. Fork
Another part of forklift is the fork which is located at the very bottom. The fork is made of straight steel and is about 1070 mm long. Forks have functions to carry and lift materials and move them from one place to another.
6. Tilt Cylinder
The tilt cylinder is located just above the wheels of the forklift. This tilt has the advantage of being able to move back and forth. In addition, the function of the tilt cylinder is to adjust the tilt of the mast found on the forklift.
7. Drive Wheels
The position of the drive wheels on the forklift is on the tires. In general, there are two types of tires, such as air tires and solid tires. Solid tires used on uneven road terrain.
Forklifts have four tires, two on the front and two on the back. The front tire size is bigger than the rear tire because it has a balancing function.
8. Rear Wheels
Rear wheels are a mechanism for moving that is assisted by hydraulic so that the operator becomes lighter in turning the rear wheels. The way it works is when the rear wheels are rotated, the worm shaft rotates too.
So the ball nut moves up and down according to the rotation of the rear wheels. And if the ball nut moves, the selector shaft will rotate and make the pitman arm move too. The position of the rear wheels is under the counter weight.
9. Counter Weight
The counter weight is located at the back of the forklift while the fork is located at the front. Its function is as a counterweight to the load being lifted so that the stability of the forklift can be created and can run as desired.
10. Rating Plate
The rating plate has a function to determine the weight capacity of the load to be lifted by the forklift. This serves to prevent accidents during operation, because if you lift a materials that is too heavy from its capacity it can cause work accidents.
11. Operator Seat
This operator’s seat has a function as a seat for the operator to drive the forklift. This chair is intended to make it easier for the operator and to make them feel comfortable, so that in doing the job the operator feels more focused.
12. Steering Wheel
Located near the operator’s seat, the steering wheel is also known as operator steering. This steering wheel functions to regulate the path of the forklift in lifting items that you want to move or arrange neatly.
13. Lights and Horn
Another part of forklift is the lights and horn. The location of these lights is above the operator’s head, slightly forward. The light on the forklift has a function to aid visibility in low light environments. This gives operators and pedestrians an advantage to see the forklift in low light environments.
14. Overhead Guard
The position of the overhead guard on the forklift is located at the very top. Its function is to protect operators from work accidents. The material used on this overhead guard is sturdy iron so it is very safe to protect. All of the forklifts have an overhead guard as part of safety.
That’s an explanation of forklift parts in general. Each part of the forklift supports each other, so that the forklift can work well in its operation. Given that there are many types of forklifts, there may be some differences between one forklift and another.
In order for the forklift to be durable, it requires regular forklift maintenance. In addition, proper operation is also required so that it is not easily damaged.