Introduction to the Wide Application and Principles of Forklifts

1、 The core working principle of forklifts

As an industrial handling vehicle, the core function of forklifts is to achieve the lifting, handling, and stacking of goods through the coordination of mechanical structure and power system. Its working principle can be decomposed into the following three key systems:

hydraulic system

Power conversion: The hydraulic pump extracts hydraulic oil from the oil tank, regulates it through a pressure valve, and delivers it to the oil cylinder. The oil cylinder piston produces linear motion under hydraulic pressure, driving the fork to lift and lower.

Control method: By operating the handle to adjust the output flow rate of the hydraulic pump or the opening of the throttle valve, precise control of the lifting speed of the fork can be achieved. For example, increasing the flow rate of the hydraulic pump can increase the lifting speed, otherwise it will decrease.

Balanced design: The rear of the car is balanced to balance the weight of the cargo, the rear wheel steering improves flexibility, and the tire layout (front drive, rear steering) enhances load-bearing stability.

Power and transmission system

Power sources: divided into two categories: internal combustion engines (diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas) and electric motors (battery driven).

Internal combustion forklift: high power, strong climbing ability, long operation duration, suitable for outdoor or heavy-duty scenarios.

Electric forklift: runs smoothly, without noise or exhaust emissions, suitable for indoor or environmentally friendly places.

Transmission method: Power is transmitted to the wheels through the gearbox, transmission shaft, and drive axle to achieve forward, backward, and speed adjustment.

Steering and braking system

Steering system: adopts fully hydraulic steering or mechanical steering. Full hydraulic steering converts the driver's steering force into hydraulic energy through the steering gear, driving the steering cylinder to deflect the front wheels; Mechanical steering transmits steering force through mechanical components such as steering shafts and knuckles.

Braking system: including service brakes (wheel brakes) and parking brakes (thousand type friction brakes), ensuring the safety of forklifts during driving and parking.

2、 Diversified application scenarios of forklifts

Forklifts, with their high efficiency and flexibility, are widely used in various fields of the national economy and have become the main force in material handling

Logistics and warehousing field

Core function: Forklifts are used for loading, unloading, handling, and stacking palletized goods in warehouses, circulation centers, and distribution centers. They are indispensable equipment in palletizing and container transportation.

Typical scenario: When working in a narrow passage, the forklift uses low gear and cooperates with auxiliary equipment such as rearview mirrors and reverse radar to observe blind spots and ensure safety; When driving on uneven ground, improve stability and passability through differential lock or four-wheel drive function.

Industrial manufacturing field

Material flow on the production line: Forklifts are responsible for the flow of components, semi-finished products, and complete machines between various processes, which is the core link to achieve "flexible logistics" in smart factories.

Heavy duty handling: In the factory workshop, forklifts can quickly and safely handle heavy materials, greatly reducing manual operation time and improving work efficiency.

Port and transportation sector

Container operations: Forklifts are used in ports, stations, and airports for loading and unloading cargo in cabins, carriages, and containers, and are key equipment in the international logistics chain.

Multi scenario adaptation: Forklifts can change attachments (such as paper roll clamps, universal clamps, etc.) according to the operating environment, flexibly responding to the handling needs of different goods.

3、 The Technological Evolution and Future Trends of Forklifts

With the development of intelligent manufacturing and automation technology, forklifts are moving towards high efficiency, environmental protection, and intelligence:

New energy forklift

Electrification trend: Electric forklifts have gradually become the preferred choice for indoor operations due to their advantages such as no exhaust emissions and smooth operation. In recent years, the application of lithium-ion battery technology has further extended the range of electric forklifts and reduced their operating costs.

Hydrogen energy forklift: In 2023, Hangcha launched its first hydrogen energy fuel cell container front lift forklift, marking a breakthrough in forklift energy technology towards zero emissions and high efficiency.

Intelligent upgrade

AGV unmanned forklift: Through technologies such as laser navigation and visual recognition, AGV forklifts can achieve autonomous path planning, cargo handling, and stacking, greatly improving the level of logistics automation.

Remote monitoring and fault diagnosis: The application of IoT technology enables forklift operation data to be uploaded in real-time to the cloud. Management personnel can remotely monitor equipment status through mobile phones or computers, early warning of faults, and reduce maintenance costs.

Safety and efficiency optimization

Safety design: Modern forklifts are equipped with safety devices such as load backrests and roof guards to prevent cargo from slipping or collapsing and causing harm to operators; At the same time, the ergonomic design of the cab reduces driver fatigue and improves operational safety.

Efficiency improvement: By optimizing the hydraulic system, power system, and transmission system, the lifting speed, driving speed, and load capacity of forklifts continue to improve, meeting the modern logistics demand for efficient operations.

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