How Does a Forklift Work

Understanding the Basics

What is a Forklift?

A  forklift, also known as a lift truck, is a specialized industrial vehicle that's primarily used for lifting and moving heavy materials. It features a pair of forks at the front that can be raised and lowered to carry loads.

Types of Forklifts

There are several types of forklifts, each designed for specific tasks. These include:

Counterbalance Forklifts: These are the most common type of forklifts, featuring a weight at the rear to counterbalance the load at the front.

Reach Trucks: Built for narrow aisles, these forklifts have extendable forks that can reach higher shelves.

Pallet Jacks: Also known as pallet trucks, these are used for short-distance transportation of palletized loads.

Rough Terrain Forklifts: These are designed for outdoor use on uneven surfaces, commonly found in construction sites.

Key Components of a Forklift

Mast

The mast is the vertical assembly on the front of the forklift that houses the lifting mechanism. It consists of interlocking rails and chains that allow the forks to be raised and lowered.

Hydraulics System

The hydraulics system powers the lifting mechanism. When hydraulic fluid is pressurized, it moves the piston in the cylinder, causing the forks to lift or lower.

Counterweight

Counterbalance forklifts have a heavy counterweight at the rear. This weight counterbalances the load being lifted at the front, preventing the forklift from tipping forward.

Operational Mechanism

Lifting and Lowering

When the operator activates the lifting control, hydraulic fluid flows into the cylinder, causing the piston to rise. As a result, the forks are lifted. Lowering the forks involves releasing the hydraulic pressure, allowing gravity to take over.

Steering

Forklifts typically have rear-wheel steering, which offers greater maneuverability. Turning the steering wheel controls the rear wheels, allowing the forklift to pivot around its front wheels.

Propulsion

Most forklifts are powered by electric batteries or internal combustion engines. Electric forklifts produce zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor use, while internal combustion engines are better suited for outdoor applications.

Safety Considerations

Load Capacity

Forklifts are rated for specific load capacities. Exceeding these capacities can lead to instability and accidents.

Stability

Proper load distribution is crucial for maintaining stability. Loads should be centered, and the forklift should not be operated on uneven or sloped surfaces.

Operator Training

Only trained and certified operators should operate forklifts. Proper training reduces the risk of accidents and ensures efficient operation.

Where to buy electrical forklifts?

Jiangsu Kinlift equipment., Ltd. is at Jiepai Town, Danyang city, 212323, PRC., which is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River.
Kinlift is an equipment manufacturer specializing in electric warehousing forklift and committed to research & development, production, sales of light & compact warehousing transport vehicles, offers the customers the optimal solutions of the special material handling, transport, stacking. The product range of Kinlift is as below: Electric Pallet Trucks, Fully Electric Stackers, Semi-electric Stackers,Electric Reach Forklifts, Electric Counterbalanced Forklifts, Electric Tow Tractors, Order Pickers, as well as some other customized products in terms of the customers’ requirements.

High-lifting Order Pickers - KLA-C

Pedestrian Counterbalanced Electric Forklifts - KLA-A