Forklift cylinders control the lift and tilt of the fork assembly, with some models having a shift function. They are commonly actuated by an electric hydraulic pump and operated via control levers. Double cylinders prevent accidents if one fails. Inspect hydraulic hoses and cylinders regularly for damage.
Forklift cylinders, or hydraulic cylinders as they are also commonly called, control the movement of the lift on a forklift. The up and down movement as well as the forward and backward tilting action of the fork assembly are all controlled by forklift cylinders mounted within the lift mechanism frame. Some forklifts are equipped with a shift function that uses the forklift cylinders to slide the forks from side to side to allow the operator to stack pallets and other objects very close together. Specialized forklifts, such as an elevator equipped with a compression option, use hydraulic cylinders to tightly lock the clam-shaped handles together.
Regardless of the style of forklift, whether it is battery or gas powered, forklift cylinders are commonly actuated via an electric hydraulic pump. The forklift cylinders are operated via a series of control levers mounted in the operator compartment of the forklift. Light forklifts typically use a single cylinder to lift the fork assembly, while heavy lifts commonly use a pair of forklift cylinders to lift the lift forks into the air. The advantage of using double cylinders is that if one cylinder should break a hydraulic hose or be damaged in any way, the second cylinder will prevent the forks and load from plummeting to the floor.
One of the most difficult tasks to master when learning to operate a forklift is maneuvering with the steer wheels on the back of the forklift. The second most difficult factor for many people is learning the functions of the joystick. Once memorized, forklift cylinders can be manipulated and operated with precision and speed, requiring only the feel of the levers to do so. Often, when looking at a storage area high above the forklift, there’s no time to look down at the control levers. The levers typically need to be manipulated by touch as the operator must observe the positioning of the load.
As part of a pre-operation inspection, hydraulic hoses should be examined for leaks, tears and signs of wear. Any damage to forklift hoses or cylinders should be recorded and brought to the attention of service department personnel. During any inspection, the forklift cylinders must be fully extended to allow inspection of the internal shaft. Any rust, pitting or discolouration should also be reported to the service department. If the hydraulic cylinders become sluggish or sluggish, it could be related to a low hydraulic fluid level, a weak hydraulic pump, or a problem in the metering blocks connected to the control levers.
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