The main accessories of forklifts and their working principles are as follows:
Hydraulic system: The hydraulic system is the key part of the forklift to lift and lower the load. It consists of a lifting handle, a pump and a hydraulic cylinder. The operator activates the pump by pushing the lifting handle, and the pump pushes the fluid through the tube to the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder consists of a hollow tube closed at one end and a movable piston at the other end. When the fluid enters the hydraulic cylinder, it creates pressure, pushing the piston upward, thereby lifting the load. When the weight of the load is balanced with the pressure of the fluid, the load stops moving.
Roller sprocket system: The machine fork that carries the load is connected to the frame through a pair of roller sprockets. The hydraulic piston pushes the mast upward, and the gear on the mast presses on the roller chain, which in turn pulls the fork upward. This design allows the mast to lift and lower the load smoothly.
Generator: The generator of the forklift usually adopts an AC generator, which is driven by the forklift engine. The generator consists of a rotor, a stator, a rectifier, front and rear end covers, and a transmission heat dissipation device. The function of the generator is to supply power to electrical equipment and charge the battery when the engine is working normally. The AC generator uses a coil located in an alternating magnetic field to generate an induced electromotive force, and converts the AC power into DC power through a rectifier for use by the forklift.
Travel system: includes the forklift frame, axle, wheels/tires and suspension. The frame is the skeleton of the forklift, supporting the total mass of the forklift and transmitting various forces. The axle transmits the force and torque between the wheel and the frame, and the wheels and tires are used to support the weight of the vehicle and mitigate the impact. The suspension connects the frame and the axle to mitigate the vibration transmitted from the uneven road surface.
Braking device: includes components such as the master brake cylinder, brake shoe, and brake pedal. The braking device is divided into foot brake and parking brake, which are used to fix the vehicle when slowing down and stopping during operation.
Steering system: usually divided into mechanical steering, hydraulic power steering and full hydraulic steering, and the driving direction of the forklift is controlled by components such as the steering wheel, bracket, and tie rod.