Full analysis of the characteristics, application scope, and operating rules of hydraulic forklifts

1、 Core characteristics of hydraulic forklift

Hydraulic forklifts use hydraulic systems as their core power source to achieve fork lifting, tilting, and driving functions through mechanical or electric drive. Their characteristics can be summarized into the following four categories:

Power Type

Manual hydraulic forklift: relies on manual operation of the handle to control the flow of hydraulic oil and drive the fork to lift and lower. Simple structure, low cost, suitable for light load and short distance transportation.

Electric hydraulic forklift: equipped with an electric pump and traction battery, achieving electric walking and hydraulic lifting. Strong power, suitable for long-term, high-intensity operations, but high cost.

Explosion proof hydraulic forklift: specially designed for flammable and explosive environments, using explosion-proof motors, sealed hydraulic systems, and anti-static materials to avoid accidents caused by sparks or overheating.

Structural advantages

Compact design: The body is low and the turning radius is small (such as the turning radius of a manual hydraulic forklift can be as low as 1.5 meters), suitable for narrow channel operations.

Modular configuration: The fork length and width can be adjusted (such as the fork width range of manual hydraulic forklifts from 340-990mm), supporting customized needs.

High strength material: using heavy-duty "C" steel column steel, cold bending forming technology to enhance the stability of the gantry, with a bearing capacity of 1.6-3.0 tons.

performance parameters

Lifting height: Manual hydraulic forklifts are usually around 210mm, electric pallet stackers can reach up to 4.8 meters, and high-level driving three-way stacker forklifts can reach up to 14.5 meters.

Driving speed: When unloaded, electric forklifts can reach 5.4 km/h, and manual hydraulic forklifts are recommended not to exceed 3 km/h (close to adult walking speed).

Endurance: The electric forklift is equipped with a large capacity traction battery, which supports 8-hour continuous operation and takes about 4-6 hours to charge.

safety design

Roof protection frame: installed above the cab to prevent falling objects from injuring operators.

Speed limit and braking: Electric forklifts are equipped with speed limiters and hydraulic braking systems, with an unloaded braking distance of ≤ 2 meters.

Anti slip fork: The surface is designed with anti slip texture to reduce the risk of displacement during cargo handling.

2、 Application scope of hydraulic forklift

Hydraulic forklifts are widely used in the following scenarios due to their flexibility and adaptability:

Warehousing and Logistics

Narrow channel operation: Manual hydraulic forklifts can flexibly shuttle within a 2.3-meter-wide channel to complete cargo loading, unloading, stacking, and short distance handling.

High level access: Electric pallet stackers and forward moving forklifts are suitable for stacking and picking up shelves that are 4.8-11 meters high.

Picking operation: Electric picking forklifts are divided into two types based on the height of the goods: low level (within 2.5 meters) and medium high level (up to 10 meters), supporting order picking and palletizing.

manufacturing

Production line material handling: Manual hydraulic forklifts are used for transferring raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products between processes to improve production efficiency.

Heavy equipment assembly: The electric forklift has a carrying capacity of 2.5 tons and can handle large mechanical components, supporting the logistics needs of assembly lines.

Supermarket Retail

Goods replenishment: The manual hydraulic forklift is easy to operate and can be used by store staff after short-term training for shelf product sorting and replenishment.

Loss prevention handling: Whole box handling reduces collisions and friction of goods, reducing the loss rate of fragile items by about 30%.

Special environmental homework

Explosion proof location: Explosion proof hydraulic forklifts are suitable for petrochemical, military and other fields, and have passed ATEX or IECEx certification to ensure safe operation.

Low temperature environment: Some models are equipped with antifreeze hydraulic oil and low-temperature resistant seals, which can work normally in an environment of -30 ℃.

Clean environment: Electric forklifts have no exhaust emissions and are suitable for places with strict air quality requirements such as food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

3、 Operating rules for hydraulic forklifts

To ensure job safety and equipment lifespan, hydraulic forklift operation must follow the following specifications:

Pre operation inspection

Equipment status: Check that the frame and fork are not deformed, the tire pressure is normal (usually 0.7-0.9MPa), and the hydraulic oil level is between 1/2-2/3 of the oil tank.

Safety device: Confirm that the roof guard is secure, the seat belt buckle is effective, and the brake pedal travel is moderate (about 10-15cm).

Environmental assessment: Observe the work area for any obstacles or personnel, and confirm that the ground is level and free of oil stains or water accumulation.

Standardized operation

Load limit: The weight of the goods shall not exceed the rated load (based on the equipment nameplate), and overloading or unbalanced loading is strictly prohibited.

Driving requirements:

Empty speed ≤ 10Km/h, heavy load speed ≤ 5Km/h, narrow passage or turning ≤ 3Km/h.

Maintain a safe distance of at least twice the length of the preceding vehicle, drive along the right side of the passage, and avoid overtaking in the opposite direction.

Forklift operation:

The fork teeth are fully inserted into the bottom of the cargo (insertion depth ≥ load center distance, usually 500mm or 600mm).

When driving, the height of the fork above the ground should be 10-15cm to prevent scratching the ground or obstacles.

Special Scenario:

Slope operation: When going uphill, the vehicle should move forward, and when going downhill, the vehicle should move backward (with the fork facing downhill). It is strictly prohibited to slide in neutral.

Visual obstruction: When reversing, a dedicated person should be arranged to direct or use the rearview mirror and reversing radar equipped on the forklift.

Post operation maintenance

Parking requirements: Choose a flat and open area for parking, lower the fork to the ground, return the tilt handle to the correct position, and turn off the engine/power.

Daily maintenance:

Clean the air filter (internal combustion forklift) and battery surface (electric forklift) to avoid dust accumulation.

Check the tire wear condition and replace tires with wear exceeding 10% of their original size.

Regular maintenance: Replace the hydraulic oil filter every 200 hours and check the hydraulic system pressure every 500 hours (measured with a pressure gauge, which should comply with the equipment manual requirements).

Safety taboos

Prohibited behavior:

Carrying people or working on forks, using forks to lift personnel for high-altitude operations.

Stopping or passing under a forklift, adjusting safety devices (such as speed limiters and brake valves) without authorization.

Emergency Management:

When the forklift tilts, the operator should tightly grip the steering wheel and tilt their body in the opposite direction of the tilt, and it is strictly prohibited to jump off the vehicle.

When hydraulic oil leaks, immediately stop and cut off the hydraulic circuit, collect the leaked oil with a container, and strictly prohibit direct contact with hands.

The main equipment produced by Hebei Makita: stage electric hoist, electric chian hoist, wire rope electric hoist，Hand chain hoist, lever hoist, pneumatic hoist and other lifting equipment