> https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/how-forklifts-work ## The hydraulic system ![[01-hydraulics-2x.gif]] 1. **Fluid enters the hydraulic cylinder** through a special valve that allows it to enter without it escaping. Pressure increases as fluids increases in the cylinder. **2. Upward force is created** when pressure is applied across the area of the piston head. **3. The piston moves up** as a result of the force below it. This increases fluid and decreases pressure. **4. Physical equilibrium** is achieved at this point when, at a given lift height, the fluids’ force is equal to the forklift load’s downward force. ## The roller chain pulley system ![[02-chain-pulley-2x-2.gif]] 1. Hydraulic pistons push the masts up. 2. Gears located on the mast are pressed against the roller chains. 3. The masts move up and pull the fork up. ## Controls ![[03-steering-lifting_zoom.gif]] ### Steering - A forklift has an acceleration pedal, break, steering wheel, forward gear and reverse gear. - Forklifts use ==rear-wheel steering==, meaning that the steering wheel controls the wheels in the rear. ### Lifting - Pushing the lifting lever ==forward== moves the load ==up== while moving it ==backwards== moves it ==down== ### Tilting The tilt function involves two more hydraulic cylinders found at the base of the masts - ==Lever forward==: Air is pumped into the chamber. The ==rise in pressure== level pushes the piston head and results in the mast tilting ==away== from the frame. - ==Lever back==: Air is gently released from the chamber and air is pumped into a secondary pair of hydraulic cylinders. The masts lean ==towards== the vehicle when those pistons push that pair of cylinders forward.