Structural characteristics of all-terrain forklifts

(1) Good passability and off-road capability with all-wheel drive. No differential is set between the axles, using large diameter wide-base off-road tires, with a minimum ground clearance of over 300mm and a departure angle of over 30°.
(2) Uses a hinged frame. The frame's swing angle generally reaches ±30°~40°, with a simple steering system that does not require an expensive steering drive axle, allowing for a smaller turning radius. By manipulating the steering wheel, the frame can swing horizontally, making it easier for the forks to align with materials. For small-tonnage off-road forklifts, an integral frame can be used, with single axle drive and a drive axle equipped with a differential lock.
(3) All-wheel braking. Except for small-tonnage forklifts that use a drum brake structure, most are disc brakes, and some tonnage forklifts also use wet brakes. The parking brake is most commonly an independent hand brake.
(4) For 2t~3t articulated off-road forklifts, the front and rear axles are interchangeable.
(5) The rear axle of the off-road forklift is fixed to the frame, while the front axle can swing vertically ±8°~12° relative to the frame. A supporting hydraulic cylinder is set between the frame and the front axle, which keeps the lifting mast in a lateral vertical position during lifting operations by manipulating the hydraulic cylinder; when the forklift is driving, the oil circuit of the upper and lower chambers of the hydraulic cylinder is connected through a damping hole, which helps improve the vehicle's ride comfort.
(6) Has a larger wheelbase and track. Increases the lateral and longitudinal stability of the forklift.
(7) Good maneuverability. The maximum speed is generally (30~40) km/h. The power factor reaches above 0.65, with good acceleration and a climbing ability of 25°~30°.
(8) A larger mast tilt angle. This is necessary for safe operation and driving on uneven surfaces, generally 10°~15° forward and 15° backward.
(9) The setting of the driver's seat. To ensure that the operator has a good view during loading operations, the driver's seat is generally positioned forward. For articulated forklifts, it is placed as far forward on the front frame as possible, and depending on different operational requirements, a protective cab with FOPS/ROPS is installed.
(10) Walking system. Similar to loaders, there are various types including mechanical transmission (Me), hydraulic shifting mechanical transmission (HyC), hydraulic transmission (T/C), and hydrostatic transmission (HYD). The difference is that it uses a full power matching method, with the maximum load being the full load climbing condition.