In any industrial environment, it’s important to look after your machinery and ensure they keep functioning safely. If your industrial environment requires the use of a forklift, it’s vital you understand how they work and what you can do to keep them in good working order. Forklifts are full of complex engineering and they can be tricky to repair. If you think you may have an issue with your forklift radiator, you may need a radiator replacement.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about forklift radiators.
What is a forklift?
Forklifts are small industrial vehicles that have a power operated forked platform attached to the front. This can be raised and lowered to lift and move cargo. They provide support for various industries such as warehouses and other large storage facilities. They are either powered by electric batteries or combustion engines and you can either sit and drive the forklift or stand. They have been used extensively throughout industries to safely and quickly transport goods.
Forklifts are comprised of several operating mechanisms including:
Truck frame
This is the most important component of the forklift as it forms the base of the machine. All other key components such as the wheels, counterweight and mast are attached to the truck frame.
Counterweight
In order to lift heavy items, the forklift has to contain a counter balance, otherwise it may tip. The counterbalance is secured to the back of the forklift and is usually made from cast iron.
Power source
The power source is either a combustion engine or a battery. The engine can be fueled by LPG, CNG, diesel and natural gas. Electric Forklifts derive power from fuel cells or Lead Acid Batteries.
Carriage
The carriage acts as the base of the forklift and is fixed on mast rails to allow it to easily move up and down.
Mast
The mast is what allows the user to move the goods and items up and down and are equipped with rollers. The Mast component consists of interlocking rails that offer horizontal control.
How do forklifts work?
Forklifts require two entwining mechanisms to utilise their power. This is using a pair of hydraulic cylinders and a pair of hydraulic pulleys. The hydraulic cylinders are operated through a series of functions. The lift handle is pressed which triggers an electrical air pump at the base of the forklift to pull air from outside through a filter and pushes it into a tube to the hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders are made from a hollow tube closed at one end with a flexible lubricated piston fitting into the other. The pressure is raised by the volume of gas in the cylinder which creates an upward force and allows the pistons to move. This creates physical equilibrium at the forklift height and equivalent force from the gas and forklift’s load.
These hydraulic pistons are attached to the two main vertical structures called masts. The forks that carry the load are attached to the body of the forklift with a pair of roller chain pulleys whose fulcrum forms a gear at the top of the mast. So when the hydraulic pistons push the masts in an upward direction, the gears on the masts are pressed against the roller chains. This works because one part of the chain is fixed to the immovable frame of the forklift. The only way the masts can move upward is when the gears rotate in a clockwise direction and pull the forks overhead. The mechanism allows the forks to go far away from the reach of the cylinders.
What is a forklift radiator?
A forklift radiator is an engine cooling device that helps ensure your forklift works as it is supposed to without overheating. Forklifts are heavy-duty machinery that require an internal cooling system to help ensure it doesn’t overheat. The radiator is used to keep the engine at a sustainable temperature and helps it stay at a safe operating range. Otherwise, your forklift could overheat and no longer be in operation. Your forklift radiator may need to be repaired or replaced over the duration of its use, so you may find yourself seeking radiator replacement from a professional.
How do forklift radiators work?
Similarly to the radiator in your car, forklift radiators work by passing hot fluids through a series of tubes. The tubes are formed in a zigzag pattern to provide as much surface area as possible. Heat exchange takes place as the fluid travels through the tubes and allows the liquid to cool as it travels along the radiator. Once it reaches the engine it has significantly cooled, where it collects heat and returns to the radiator to repeat the process all over again.
Why may you need industrial radiator repair?
Forklift engines usually function with diesel, meaning the engine deals with heavy demands. Although forklifts are not usually driven very far, they must lift a lot of weight on the forks and put the hydraulic system under a lot of pressure. This can cause a strain on the engine and may mean it ends up running very hot. This is why a large forklift radiator is necessary, in order to deal with the high volume of cooling fluid in the engine. Over time, you may notice your radiator becomes less efficient due to clogs or damage such as knocks to the tubes that can bend or break them. This is why it is vital to find effective forklift radiator repair or replacement.
What to look out for if you need agricultural machine repair
If you think your industrial or agricultural machinery isn’t functioning properly, it’s important to know what the telltale signs are so that you can quickly get any necessary repairs for your damaged machinery. Forklifts, while considered small pieces of machinery, shouldn’t be overlooked as they are often an essential part of many warehouses day-to-day operations.
The most common sign that your radiator is no longer working properly is that your forklift is overheating. If you notice any of the following signs, call a repair expert as soon as possible:
● Steam coming from the engine compartment
● Console is warm to the touch
● Cabin airflow turns warm
● Temperature gauge moves into the 'red zone'
● Backfire occurs, jolting the forklift
● Sudden coolant leak
● Forklift "growls" – suddenly develops loud noises during normal operation
These signs can be caused by a range of issues such as low or no coolant, clogged radiator pipes, clogged filters, debris in the radiator or overworking the forklift. You can also regularly check your forklift radiator for any signs of damage and run it regularly to check it works as it should.
Forklift maintenance tips
Keeping your forklift in good working order not only improves efficiency in the workplace, but also ensures safety. Firstly, you should inspect your machine daily as part of a comprehensive forklift maintenance plan. Check the hoses, tyre pressure, seat belts, fluid levels and brake performance. You will also need to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, clean your forklift weekly and deal with any issues as soon as they arise.
Applied Radiators - Radiator Specialists in Stoke-on-Trent
Are you looking for commercial radiator repair, maintenance and replacement? The team at Applied Radiators have the skills and knowledge to ensure your vehicles and machinery are kept in top working order. We understand how important it is to keep your operations running daily, which is why we work hard to provide a quality service that not only ensures efficiency, but can keep you and your employees safe, while saving you money in the long run. We provide radiator maintenance and generator repair for automotive, buses, commercial, agriculture and groundwork, rail and traction and much more. To learn more about our services, get in touch today. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.
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