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Key Forklift Parts

Aug. 31 2023 Maintenance By CCon Metals

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Many businesses utilize forklifts as a part of their day-to-day operations. Given the importance of these pieces of equipment, it only makes sense to keep them properly maintained, and that’s why the experts at CCon Metals have created this guide to key forklift parts. Once you understand the anatomy of a forklift, you will be in a much better position to maintain it. 

General Anatomy

Whether your forklift is powered by electricity, diesel fuel, gasoline, or propane, it will always have the same basic components: 

  • Cab: The central part of the lift that contains all the controls, gauges, and pedals.
  • Mast: Lifts and lowers the load.
  • Forks: Extensions meant to support the load; attached to the mast via the carriage, which also helps support the forklift.
  • Load backrest: Helps prevent the load from sliding back towards the operator.
  • Overhead guard: The frame surrounding the cab that protects the operator should the load fall.
  • Counterweight: Located on the back of the forklift and helps prevent the forklift from tipping.
  • Steer tires: Determine the forklift’s direction of travel.
  • Drive tires: Propel the machine forward or backward.
  • Tilt cylinder: Controls the backward and forward tilt of the mast, forks, and carriage.
  • Hydraulic lift cylinder: Provides vertical lift.

All of these components need to function properly for your forklift to operate safely and efficiently, so take good care of them!

Building Your Backstock

Obviously, it’s not feasible to have a copy of every one of your forklift’s parts lying around just in case something breaks. Focus on smaller parts such as cylinders, bolts, fluids, and tires (making sure they are compatible with your model). These small parts will make maintenance that much easier, while anything larger can be handled by a service appointment. 

To shop our inventory of forklifts and forklift parts, visit CCon Metals in Granite Falls, North Carolina. We also offer financing and trade-ins. We are proud to serve communities like Hickory and Lenoir, North Carolina, and we hope to see you soon!