Forklift structure and classification

The forklift is a function of loading and unloading and short-distance transportation of finished materials. It is widely used in docks, factories, various warehouses, railways, logistics, and other places. There are many brands of forklifts, and there are many models, but their structures are similar. They are mainly composed of the power unit, chassis, working device, and electrical equipment.

1、 Structure.

1. Engine of power plant

Internal combustion counterweight forklift is a forklift powered by the internal combustion engine, mainly gasoline, diesel, liquid petroleum gas, natural gas, or dual-fuel engine. The thermal energy generated by the fuel is converted into mechanical energy by the engine, and the power is output through the flywheel of the engine. Internal combustion forklift consists of the internal combustion engine, drive device, control device, working device, etc. The electric forklift is divided into two types: battery as the power source and AC as the power source, composed of forklift battery, motor, drive device, control device, steering braking device, working device, etc.

2. The forklift chassis is mainly composed of the transmission device, steering system, braking system, and driving system of the forklift.

3. Working device, which can also be called the lifting mechanism of forklift, is composed of mechanical part and hydraulic system. Working devices can be divided into gantry type, parallel connecting rod type, and telescopic boom type, among which gantry type is the most widely used.

4. Electrical equipment, this system is mainly composed of a forklift battery, various controllers, electrical components such as motherboard, lighting, and lines. The internal combustion forklift consists of a starter and generator, and the electric forklift is composed of the mainboard, controller, contactor, capacitor, sensor, etc.

2、 According to the power source of forklifts, the forklift can be divided into four types: internal combustion forklift, electric forklift, hybrid forklift, and manual forklift.

1. Internal combustion forklift is characterized by enormous reserve power and large load, ranging from 1.2 tons to 8 tons. The width of the operation channel is generally 3.5-5.0m, with fast driving speed, strong climbing ability, high operation efficiency, and low requirements for the site. However, it has a complex structure, difficult maintenance, environmental pollution, and increased noise.

2. The electric forklift is characterized by simple structure, convenient operation, less pollution, and low noise. Because it uses the forklift battery as the power source, it is limited by the battery capacity, resulting in small driving power and lifting capacity, lower bearing capacity than the internal combustion forklift, and relatively slow operation speed.

3. There are mainly two kinds of hybrid forklifts. One is a double pigment forklift with alternate fuel and liquefied gas. The working time of this forklift is about doubled, which is relatively more economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Another forklift is an oil-electric hybrid forklift that uses the optimal speed of the generator to convert mechanical energy into electric energy through the generator and then uses the electric motor to drive the forklift. This forklift can make the engine work at the best working point and the minimum load to reduce the fuel consumption to more than 30%.

4. The manual hydraulic forklift is characterized by a small turning radius and no bridge. It controls the lifting of the forklift through the operation. It is specially designed for loading, unloading, and handling goods in warehouses, supermarkets, and workshops with narrow channels.