In Forklifts, the braking system is crucial for the vehicle, even though many people do not realize its importance. This is why brake systems must be maintained properly for use to their full potential and ensure safety while operating vehicles. However, this article has been written purely for knowledge purposes, and all operators working with forklifts should adopt correct braking system practices. Braking systems are required on forklifts because they reduce speed which helps in maintaining stability before coming to a stop. In contrast, brakes on passenger cars are used only after the vehicle stops, which decreases the chances of accidents.
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Forklift Company is a worldwide manufacturer of forklifts and other lifting equipment, established in 1920 when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was created.
Forklift Brake System
A Brake System in a forklift is composed of an individual brake system for each motor. Brakes are used to stop the motion of the electric motors when the operator presses the foot brake pedal to adjust the load at their will.
Forklift Brake System
Main components of Forklift Brake System
The Forklift Brake System has four main components;
Brake Shoes (caliper) press against the rotor (disc), creating the friction needed to slow down or stop its rotation. Brake shoes can be adjusted independently for each rotor, depending on how much wear there is.
Brake shoe springs provide constant pressure to ensure enough friction between brake shoes and rotors. When brakes wear down, they need replacing. The springs are used to adjust the brake shoes automatically.
The Brake Adjuster mechanism helps in automatically adjusting brake shoes. They can be adjusted easily as per the requirement of use and conditions of the load/material carried by a forklift. If they require replacement, it will indicate with a blinking light or according to the service schedule.
Brake Drum (rotor) is used for steering brakes on a rear axle and stopping hydraulic cylinders on a front axle. Brakes work together during braking, causing the rotor to slow down and stop the vehicle.
Working of Forklift Brake System
As soon as the driver steps down on their foot pedal, electric current flows through wires, creating a magnetic field that reacts with the coil's wire inside the solenoid valve, closing it so that hydraulic fluid cannot flow through the line, activating the brake.
When the driver lifts their foot off of the pedal, a solenoid valve is released so that hydraulic fluid can again flow into the line and release brakes. The brake drum has internal passages that carry rotating brake shoes to slow down or stop the rotation of the axle when activated by the electric current produced by stepping down on the pedal.
Brakes apply pressure to both sides of the rotor, which decreases its speed and eventually stops them from moving. Brake drums are usually found on the front axle compared to rear ones because the front one has a hazard of skidding out if not properly braked during operation. Rear ones tend to lock up due to centrifugal force caused by turning, which also creates hazards. This is why Brake Systems for a Forklift consist of individual brake system components.
If you want to learn how to change the brake system of the forklift, see the video below:
Why choose Lift Parts Warehouse
If you are looking for Mitsubishi brake system parts, Lift Parts Warehouse offers an extensive array of replacement Mitsubishi brakes & brake components, including calipers, drums rotors, brake pads & shoes, and e-brake cables.
Takeaways
It is important to understand the basic concept of brake systems because the forklift braking system plays an important role in maintaining safety during operation as well as it's a requirement that forklifts must have working brakes before starting to work.
Forklift Brakes are used to reduce the speed of the forklift.
FMCSA states that all trucks must have a functional parking brake when parked. But, only 35% of people use them when they park their vehicles. That's why brake systems must be inspected before starting work after coming back from break.
Brakes should be inspected every morning before starting operation because the condition of brakes can deteriorate in extremely hot weather. Brake Shoes, Brake Drums, and Internal Brake System Parts need regular checks.
Brakes should not be operated when wet or if there is any leakage present in the hydraulic system because it will cause brake failure, resulting in serious accidents.
Always use the parking brake when parked. This is to prevent vehicles from accidentally rolling away, leading to accidents. A parking brake should be applied manually with the assistance of another person when carrying heavy loads whenever possible to increase safety during parking.
Whenever possible, apply a parking brake when transporting heavy loads to increase safety. Brake system failure could result in serious accidents if it occurs during operation.
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