The better you understand the parts of a forklift, the easier it becomes to identify which type of lift truck best suits your needs. It can also help with identifying problems, and understanding the basics is vital before exploring the advanced mechanics of your lift truck. In our latest Back To Basics guide we’re sharing our 7 forklift parts you need to know.
- Forklift Battery
- Forklift Masts
- Forklift Forks
- Forklift Counterbalance Weight
- The Forklift Cab
- Forklift Wheels
- Forklift Tyres
What Is A Forklift Battery?
A forklift battery is a large, rechargeable power source that fuels electric forklifts. It’s a vital component, supplying the energy needed to keep your machine running throughout the day. Forklift batteries can come in the form of lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Whether you’re looking to purchase or maintain a battery, Briggs Equipment has you covered – feel free to reach out for expert help.
What Is The Difference Between Lead-Acid And Lithium-Ion Forklift Batteries?
Lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries each have their advantages:
Lead-acid batteries are typically more affordable upfront, but they’re heavier and take longer to charge.
Lithium-ion batteries, while more expensive initially, offer faster charging times, longer lifespans, and higher energy efficiency.
Types Of Forklift Masts
The mast is the vertical structure at the front of a forklift that raises, lowers, and tilts the load. Different types are designed for different applications:
Simplex Mast
A single-stage mast with one set of rails, typically used outdoors for smaller operations requiring simple lifting.
Duplex Mast
A two-stage mast with two sets of rails and free lift capability, ideal for confined spaces such as containers.
Triplex Mast
A three-stage mast with three sets of rails. Offers full free lift and high lifting capacity, making it suitable for general warehouse operations.
Quad Mast
A four-stage mast with four sets of rails, offering the highest lift heights. Commonly used for very tall stacking requirements. It also has a shorter collapsed height compared to a triplex mast with the same maximum lift.
Fixed Mast
The stationary outer part of the mast assembly, providing structural support and stability to the lifting mechanism.
Container Mast
Specially designed for working in tight spaces like shipping containers. Ideal for loading and unloading in confined environments.
What Is A Forklift Mast Guard?
A protective overhead structure that shields the operator from falling objects, debris, and other potential hazards in the working environment.
Forklift Forks And Fork Attachments
Forklift forks are the metal arms that do the lifting. For handling larger or awkward loads, you can add fork extensions, which simply slide over the existing forks. These attachments make it easier to reach deep racking or carry oversized items. You can also purchase fork covers to protect the forks and reduce the risk of damanging goods. Lift truck attachments can be a cost effective way to adapt your existing fork truck for specialist tasks and maximise the potential of your MHE.
For a wide range of attachments, explore our offerings at the Briggs Store.
What Is A Counterbalance Weight?
The counterbalance weight is located at the rear of the forklift. It helps balance the weight of the load being lifted at the front, keeping the machine stable and preventing it from tipping over.
Inside The Cab
The forklift cab is the operator’s control centre. It’s designed for safety and comfort, offering protection from weather, debris, and other workplace hazards while housing all the necessary controls.
Do Forklifts Come With Seat Belts?
Yes, they do, and they should always be used. Seatbelts are required by safety regulations and help protect the operator in the event of a tip-over or collision. To learn more about staying safe while operating a forklift, check out our featured safety blogs.
Forklift Wheels And Their Roles
The wheels on a lift truck have different roles to play in the way it operates. There are drive wheels and load wheels.
Drive Wheels
Found at the front of most electric forklifts, these larger wheels power movement and help with steering, braking, and acceleration.
Load Wheels
These carry the weight of the load and contribute to the machine’s balance and smooth handling, especially on warehouse floors.
Tyres For Forklifts
Choosing the right tyres is essential for performance and safety. At Briggs Equipment, we offer a range of tyre types to suit various surfaces and environments.
You can learn more about lift truck tyres in our safety guide, Key Safety Tips For Forklift Tyres.
Pneumatic Tyres
Ideal for outdoor use and rough terrain. Pneumatic tyres are made from rubber and filled with compressed air.
Cushion Tyres
Best for indoor, smooth surfaces. Cushion tyres are made from heavy-duty rubber.
Non-marking tyres
Perfect for clean environments like food storage or retail.
Where can I get Forklift Parts Near Me?
If you need to repair your forklift truck, you can rely on us. With depots across the country and a large team of field engineers, we can help you to get your machine up-and-running. We also benefit from our excellent relationships with leading manufacturers so we can supply genuine OEM parts from the likes of Hyster, Yale and Combilift.
Contact us today for more information.
Tel: 03301 23 98 28
Email: info@briggsequipment.co.uk