Calling all forklift drivers and automotive experts I have a forklift clutch question.

Discussion in 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' started by Delightfully High, Dec 3, 2014.

  1. At the steel mill where I work my job title is a material handler which means I drive a forklift pretty much all day. The lift I drive has a break pedal and a gas pedal but occasionally I have to swap forklifts with a fellow co-worker because my lift can carry more weight. The problem is some of the other forklifts I have to drive have not only a gas and a break pedal but also a clutch but all the lifts are automatic (they only have forward ,reverse ,and neutral). When driving MY lift I "work" mainly the break when going in and out of pallets and when taking turns but when I drive the lifts with a clutch I work the clutch instead of the break. Is that bad? Which should I be using and why?

     
  2. #2 invinciblejets, Dec 3, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 3, 2014
    Well I'd assume you would have no choice but to use the clutch??..since you have to engage the clutch to move. In which case that's what the clutch is for.
    just try not to slip it and stay off it as much as possible. Not familiar with fork lifts at all tho could be completely different than cars clutch system.

    Your automatic one has most likely some sort of vacuum or electronically operated clutch.. activated when you let off the brake like most auto cars.



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  3. An auto allows slippage. A clutch has to be manually modulated by you so it either grabs and goes, or disengages and stands still.

    As long as you dont ride the clutch, as in half slip it constantly; and allow it to cool down a bit, you're fine.
     
  4. It may be a clutch brake combo. All the ones I've ever driven are gas and brake except for a big diesel one we have that's a 6 speed manual
    It may be a clutch brake combo. All the ones I've ever driven are gas and brake except for a big diesel one we have that's a 6 speed manual
     
  5. You sure its not a transmission brake? You hold it in so you can rev the motor without moving or taking it out of gear. You can't do that with the brake pedal.
     
  6. #6 ImTheJoker4u2, Jan 8, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 10, 2015
    You're on the right track.... :hello:
     
     
    The drive wheels are hydraulically driven inline with the lifting rams and the steering rams (which are on a pressure  regulator), the "clutch" pedal just cuts the juice going to the wheels. This way when you rev the engine, it spins the pump faster and allows more pressure to the lifting rams, increasing their speed. You cant really "ride" a hydraulic clutch, its a valve thats either open or not. Of course at the end of the pedals travel is the brake B)
    The other pedal it just a brake, and keeps the "clutch" engaged. :poke:
    Thats why you can pretty safely dump it from reverse to forward (Without a load of course) all day and not worry about braking gears or wearing out a clutch. (Actually you can get pretty good smoke off the tires if done right :metal: )
    There are no gears or clutch. its all hydraulically driven. The F/N/R switch just switches a solenoid to reverse or stop the flow to the drive wheels. :bongin:
    The reason for this is so that you can get a load up high fast, without increasing your ground speed. :yay:
    I drive one all day at a petroleum plant and repair everything :hippie:
     
  7. Wow that's crazy^ thanks for sharing👌


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