What is the structure of a forklift?

[VonMakayla]

There are many types of forklifts, mainly composed of engines, chassis (travel mechanism), body, lifting mechanism, hydraulic system, and electrical equipment. The following is a related introduction: Forklifts are industrial handling vehicles, referring to various wheeled handling vehicles used for loading and unloading, stacking, and short-distance transportation of palletized goods. The technical parameters of a forklift are used to indicate its structural characteristics and working performance. The main technical parameters include: rated load capacity, load center distance, etc.

[Emery]

When I first started operating forklifts, I made a point to study their construction. They mainly consist of the power system (engine or motor), chassis (transmission and drive axle), working device (mast and forks), hydraulic system (oil pump and cylinders), and electrical system. The most noticeable part is the mast and fork assembly, which is lifted and tilted by hydraulic cylinders. The counterweight design at the rear is particularly crucial; without it, the whole vehicle could tip over when lifting loads. There's also an overhead guard to protect the operator, and the steering axle is incredibly agile.

[StAlexa]

The forklift structure is quite ingenious! The main body consists of the power compartment (housing the engine or battery pack), the operator cabin (steering wheel, dashboard, pedals), and the working area (mast, chains, forks). The core of the hydraulic system is the gear pump, which drives the lifting and tilting cylinders through a multi-directional valve. Steering is typically handled by the rear wheels, which is why the turning radius is so small. The overhead guard isn't just for show—it can genuinely withstand falling objects. The lever beside the seat controls the mast angle, while the lifting lever operates the forks via chains.

[Vera]

Having operated electric forklifts for three years, let me share their structural features: The battery pack is positioned at the bottom as counterweight, with DC motors driving the rear wheels. The mast comes in single-stage and two-stage variants, the latter allowing higher lifting. The hydraulic pump converts electrical current into oil pressure, and the lift cylinders are equipped with sealing rings to prevent leaks. I particularly noticed the overhead guard and foot pedal designs, which can be lifesavers in emergencies. The speed-limiting valve is also thoughtful, automatically reducing speed when the fork load exceeds limits.