In the work of a forklift operator, knowledge of the equipment used daily is of key importance. The ability to name individual structural elements of a forklift, knowledge of their capabilities and operation is essential to pass the state examination before the Technical Supervision Office Commission and obtain appropriate qualifications. Learning about forklift construction is also important for health and safety reasons. Checking the technical condition of the vehicle before starting work is a basic obligation of the operator. This would not be possible without mastering knowledge about individual parts of the forklift and the ability to assess their technical condition. Already at the initial stage, this protects the driver as well as other warehouse workers from potential accidents, and the transported load from damage.
For management staff or owners of facilities that use short-distance transport equipment in their operations, basic knowledge of their construction proves very useful in making purchasing decisions or choosing a proven and reliable forklift service. This will allow controlling the reliability of services and verifying actually required repairs.
Forklift construction and its mechanisms
While the construction of a simple manual pallet truck is not complicated and does not require extensive knowledge, in the case of electric forklifts or combustion engine ones, we are dealing with advanced construction. Its individual elements will differ depending on the type and purpose of the vehicle. However, certain common features can be distinguished in every mobile forklift.
Forks – are made from a solid piece of steel, their shape resembles the letter “L”. They are attached to the carriage, move vertically using a chain. They enable carrying and lifting loads. The size of the forks depends on the forklift model, they can be extended by mounting fork extensions. Replacing forks with other types of attachments allows increasing the vehicle’s functionality range beyond standard transport tasks.
Mast – an element mounted vertically at the front of the forklift, having the shape of a rectangular frame, on which the carriage with forks is mounted. It serves to carry, lift and lower loads. It plays an important role in maintaining the position of the entire forklift. In high-reach forklifts it can reach heights of up to several dozen meters.
We distinguish three types of masts:
– standard mast STD or Simplex – single, in which the carriage is lifted simultaneously with the inner mast frame. It has limited lifting height;
– double mast, so-called Duplex – the forklift carriage is lifted using an extending cylinder. This type of solution is used in forklifts with greater lifting capacity.
– Triplex mast – equipped with two inner frames, thanks to which maximum lifting height can be achieved.
Lift cylinder – lifts the mast and load.
Vehicle frame – constitutes the main structural element, made of appropriately formed steel, depending on the forklift model it takes different forms, shapes and sizes.
Forklift carriage – front plate attached directly to the vehicle mast, to which the backrest and forks are mounted. The carriage moves on rollers along guides parallel to the mast. The forks are not permanently attached to the carriage – they can be removed at any time and the spacing can be adjusted.
Chain – enables suspension of the carriage and its connection with the cylinder piston. There are two types of chains: roller and plate chains.
Backrest – is attached to the carriage, provides protection against sliding of transported loads.
Counterweight – steel block located in the rear part of the forklift, providing additional weight that ensures balance and stabilization of the vehicle when carrying heavy loads.
Overhead guard – supports visibility and safety of work performed at heights. Its task is to protect the operator from loads that may fall from above.
Chassis – depending on the equipment model, consists of three or four wheels.
Engine – in mobile forklifts we distinguish engines:
– LPG gas – recommended especially for work in open spaces;
– low-compression – gasoline-powered;
– high-compression – diesel-powered;
– electric – intended mainly for enclosed spaces, where limited noise and exhaust emissions are required.
Engine cover – protects the forklift engine from various types of damage and weather conditions when working outdoors.
Operator cabin – open but enclosed on the sides ensures user safety. It contains all necessary elements for vehicle control, such as: steering wheel, pedals, levers, as well as the operator seat.
Operator seat – for operators spending many hours behind the wheel of a forklift, an ergonomic and comfortable seat with access to all control elements and ensuring excellent visibility from all sides is of key importance.
Tires – affect the vehicle’s behavior and traction depending on the surface they move on, and thus work efficiency and safety. We distinguish two basic types of tires: solid and pneumatic.
Depending on their purpose, forklifts may also have other structural elements, as well as a range of conveniences and innovative solutions aimed at increasing work safety and efficiency. A wide spectrum of possibilities is provided by a rich range of additional attachments, which allows configuring equipment freely to match individual company needs.
Summary
Knowledge of forklift construction not only ensures a positive result in the examination before the UDT commission, but also other benefits in operator work. Above all, it is necessary in daily equipment operation and maintaining workplace safety. It allows proper completion of the forklift operation logbook, where all faults and irregularities in operation are specified. In case of cooperation with forklift service, it enables quick and professional contact, and thus immediate response to any equipment failures.
