Know thy machine. It’s always good to know the tool you’re using, even if you’re not the one who built it or would be fixing it. So, how a forklift transmission works is just as important as knowing how to drive one. So, let’s tackle that and get you gearing with that mechanical commandment.
What does a forklift transmission do? What are the parts that make it work, the common problems, and the different kinds of forklift transmissions you’re likely to encounter…perhaps without your knowledge.
Information like this is two-fold. For one, you’ll be able to really listen to your forklift and detect issues before they become major problems. Another is you’ll be able to speak intelligently with someone servicing it. The latter is definitely helpful as it saves time diagnosing an issue.
What does a Forklift Transmission Do?
It’s important. Your forklift won’t move without a transmission. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to know all the parts to better identify problems and speak with people who can fix them. If you go up to someone who needs to know the issue, and you just say “it stopped moving!” Well, that could be a number of problems.
With that in mind, a forklift transmission is a part of the engine assembly that connects the engine and the wheels so they can rotate in sync with one another. As many car owners know, you can get a transmission either manual or automatic. A transmission, essentially, allows the engine to run at narrow ranges of speed while putting out a wider range of output speeds.
Now, what makes it do such things?
The Transmission Parts
Knowing what a forklift transmission does is half the battle but, do you know all the parts? There are a lot of parts to a transmission. Unless you’re going to be fixing the transmission yourself, there isn’t any sense in learning all of them. But, it’s important to know enough to listen to and talk about any forklift transmission problems you may have.
When taking your forklift in for service and talking with the mechanic, talk with him or her about the problems you’re experiencing. Ask them what could cause it or how to better care for your transmission. You’re likely to become familiar with enough of the parts to be able to figure out if a replacement part is needed. That’s right, you don’t have to toss out an entire transmission if only a piece is being problematic.
Of course, unless you’re a mechanic who is familiar with forklift transmissions, it’s better to talk with them about it. After all, you may know how to listen to your forklift but, they know how a forklift transmission works.
Forklift Transmission Types
That’s right! There are two different kinds of forklift transmissions, primarily, and each is appropriate for different things. Useful information if looking to buy a forklift or wondering how a forklift transmission works, as it somewhat depends on the type it is.
Torque Converter: known for providing a smoother drive with heightened acceleration with the possibility of coasting. Forklifts with this transmission type have an easier direction change, no gearshift, and are better for longer runs with reduced fuel consumption.
Hydrostatic: known for precise controllability on shorter runs and quick change of direction. It can run better on uneven ground or extreme surfaces, as well as a stop-on-ramp. A hydrostatic transmission uses a variable displacement pump which allows energy to transfer to hydraulic motors.
Depending on what you need, you should always check which forklift has which kind of transmission to see how forklift transmission works for you.
Forklift Transmissions
Knowing how forklift transmission works is the realm of the mechanic but, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know the basics or different types. This basic knowledge will help you speak better with anyone servicing your forklift, buying a forklift, and preventing damage to it as well as the transmission itself.
Remember to get to know the machines you’re using, especially if you use them every day. You’re the first line of defense against trouble with the forklift transmission and the first that is able to respond to it. So, know thy machine. Whether it be a car, a lawnmower, or a forklift transmission.
It’ll save you time, money, and keep you better safe while working.