Want to learn how brakes work in a forklift? We invite you to read this article, where we will discuss the service brake and parking brake and their roles in the efficient operation of a forklift.

In modern times, it’s hard to imagine the efficient prosperity of many companies without the presence of forklifts in production halls or warehouses. With the help of this reliable equipment, individual items can be moved from place to place very quickly and efficiently.

Safe operation of every forklift is only possible when it has a properly functioning brake system. Inspections, maintenance, and replacement of worn brake components are activities that should be systematically performed on every forklift.

What types of brakes are in a forklift?

The brake system of a forklift looks similar to those found in many other vehicles. Brakes are an essential component of this equipment. They serve for braking, and their efficiency is the foundation of safe forklift operation by the operator. What types of brakes do we distinguish in a forklift?

Most commonly found are electric and hydraulic brakes, which use brake shoes with brake linings, drums, and cylinders for braking. Depending on the construction and model of the forklift, it may have disc or drum brakes. Recently, band brakes are increasingly rarely used in these devices. The disc system in a forklift works through friction of brake pads against the disc, while in the case of a drum system, brake shoes play an important role.

Parking and service brakes in a forklift

Every forklift has two independent brake systems. We distinguish:
  • service brake
  • parking brake

The service brake in a forklift is commonly called the foot brake. It is activated through the forklift’s hydraulic system. When the pedal is pressed, a hydraulic pump is activated, which pushes hydraulic fluid or oil through lines to cylinders. Then the cylinder pistons press the brake shoes or pads against the moving part of the brake. Every brake system uses a pressure booster “servo”, thanks to which the operator doesn’t need to use too much force when braking.

The service brake in a forklift serves to slow down the speed of a moving forklift and to stop it.

Every forklift also has a parking brake, which is commonly called auxiliary or hand brake. It serves to immobilize the forklift and to secure it against movement. The hand brake must be engaged when:

  • the operator stops the forklift on sloped terrain
  • the forklift is parked

Every service brake is activated using cables or steel wires. They tighten and thus press the brake shoes against the drum. When pressure on the drive pedal is reduced, the forklift brakes, while after removing the foot from the pedal, oil stops flowing to the hydraulic motor and then the vehicle stops.

How to check brake efficiency in a forklift?

The technical condition of brakes largely determines the safety of forklift operators’ work. It is therefore very important that they are systematically controlled. For this purpose, before starting work, you should always move the forklift and brake sharply with the hand brake engaged. Then the engine should stall. If the forklift doesn’t react this way, you should immediately use service.

Repair involves replacing those brake system components that have worn out due to forklift operation. It’s worth deciding on service even in case of the slightest suspicion that the brake system is not working properly. Ignoring this problem can have tragic consequences for the equipment operator. It’s also very important to regularly check the fluid level in the brake system. It’s also necessary to perform periodic forklift inspections.

Every properly used and regularly serviced forklift ensures one hundred percent safety for the operator and all employees on the workplace premises. Moreover, it can serve reliably for many long years.