Clark forklifts rely on different hydraulic cylinders to carry out their material handling activities. The tilt cylinders are those that we can see on the sides of many Clark forklift models and which are connected to the mast. These cylinders are robust and built to withstand long and demanding working shifts, but even so, they are not exempt from suffering wear or being damaged. That is why it is essential to recognize when they should receive maintenance or be replaced. With that in mind, at Lift Part Warehouse, we want to share a little more about how vital Clark forklift tilt cylinders are and what considerations you should have when purchasing their replacements.
What Role do Tilt Cylinders Play on Clark Forklifts?
A Clark tilt cylinder is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder that can both push and pull its load. In most three- and four-wheel Clark lift truck models are two tilt cylinders connecting the upright assembly's left and right stationary rails to their frames. This feature provides uniform control when the Clark forklifts are tilting forward or reversing their loads and prevents the mast from flexing from side to side when the forklift is operating.
Tilt cylinders help Clark forklifts have more stable loads control
Clark forklift tilt cylinders stabilize the load by allowing the load's center of mass to be positioned as close as possible to the forklift's pivot point. This makes it easier for the operator to control the load and prevent it from tipping over. The cylinders are made of high-strength steel, and they are tested to ensure that they can withstand the forces exerted by heavy materials.
What are the Main Parts of a Clark Forklift Tilt Cylinder?
There are several parts involved in a Clark forklift tilt cylinder
Rod. The rod is the part that we can see coming out or going in linearly from the hydraulic cylinder. The end that is inside the barrel is connected to the ratchet, and in the other is located the rod clevis that allows the attachment with the forklift's mast.
Head. It is the end of the tilt cylinder from where the rod comes out. It has the function of serving as an upper stop for the piston and contains the seals that prevent the hydraulic fluid from escaping when the rod moves.
Barrel. The barrel contains the piston, seals, and part of the hydraulic fluid. The barrel is typically cast iron or steel, so it can withstand high pressure levels. The hydraulic fluid enters and leaves the barrel's interior through hoses connected at the ends of its body.
Piston. The piston is the part attached to the end of the rod that remains inside the cylinder barrel. It is responsible for keeping two barrel sections separate, one with greater hydraulic pressure than the other. It moves linearly from one top of the barrel to another, and being connected to the rod allows the rod to move with it.
Cap. It is considered the bottom part of the tilt cylinder. It serves as a base stop for the piston and attaches the cylinder to the forklift frame.
Seals. The tilt cylinder has seals on the piston and the head. The seals on the piston help keep different pressure in the barrel chambers. The seals in the head stop hydraulic fluid from leaking when the rod moves.
How do Clark Forklift Lift Cylinders Work?
A Clark forklift tilt cylinder uses pressurized fluid to move a piston inside it. The piston is attached to a rod, the end of which is connected to the forklift's mast. Tilt cylinders are double-acting hydraulic cylinders, which means that inside the cylinder barrel, the piston acts as a pressure separator between two chambers. Depending on the differential pressure between both chambers, the cylinder will push or pull its load.
The amount of force that a hydraulic cylinder can handle depends on its size and design. Larger cylinders can generate more force than smaller ones, and cylinders with a larger bore (the diameter of the piston) can produce more force than those with a smaller bore.
To visualize more easily how double-acting hydraulic cylinders work, we invite you to watch the following video:
When to Replace Your Clark Forklift Tilt Cylinder
Replacing a tilt cylinder on a Clark forklift is not something that happens often. These devices are built to last for a long time if they are correctly maintained. However, this does not mean that they will never need to be replaced; even with regular maintenance practices, they can damage enough to be changed for a new one.
Not all tilt cylinder failures are repairable
Sometimes a failure in these cylinders does not mean that the cylinder needs to be replaced immediately. In general, the parts that deteriorate more often are the seals. If you replace them, the cylinder might work again. The most severe symptoms that do require a complete replacement of the tilt cylinder on a Clark forklift are usually these:
Clark Forklift Tilt Cylinder Piston Rod is Scored, Corroded, or Buckled.
There is a Cracked Piston or Other Components.
The Barrel is Scored.
The Seals Constantly Wear or Break.
Despite Changing the Seals, the Hydraulic Fluid Leak Persists.
The Mounting Connections are Deformed or Damaged.
How to Replace a Clark Forklift Tilt Cylinder
Park the Clark lift truck in an appropriate and safe place.
Ensure the forklift's brakes are applied.
Place the forklift's mast in its normal position.
Ensure the hydraulic system is not pressurized.
Remove the floor panel to get access to the cylinder's cap.
Detach the hydraulic hoses from the cylinder's barrel.
Remove the attached pins from both ends of the Clark forklift tilt cylinder.
Once both pins are removed, you should be able to altogether remove the tilt cylinder body without any problem. Repeat the same procedure if you want to change the tilt cylinder on the other side of the Clark lift truck.
Find the Best Clark Forklift Tilt Cylinders at Lift Parts Warehouse
If it's time to replace one or both tilt cylinders on your Clark lift truck and you're looking for quality replacements, Lift Parts Warehouse is the best place to get them. Lift Parts Warehouse is one of the leading Clark forklifts spare parts distributors in the United States. In our online store, we stock a wide range of Clark forklift tilt cylinders to suit a variety of models. With such a range of products available, you're sure to find the perfect tilt cylinder replacement for your Clark lift truck.
We know getting the suitable replacement can sometimes be tricky, so if you're having trouble finding the right tilt cylinder for your forklift model, our professional staff will be more than happy to help you. In addition, we count on an excellent shipping service that will deliver your order in a few days. If you are unsatisfied with the order, you will have the chance to return it, and your money will be refunded. For more information about our return policy, we invite you to click here.
So why wait any longer? You won't find better prices than at Lift Parts Warehouse. With our products, your Clark forklift will always be performing at its best. And now that you've decided to purchase a new tilt cylinder, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to buy other items to upgrade your Clark forklift. Here are some of the most popular items that our customers request:
Clark forklift tilt cylinders keep the stability and control of the loads. If they don't operate properly, there is a risk that the load will be more difficult to handle. Driving a Clark lift truck with bad tilt cylinders can result in damage of the loads or a tip-over. These devices are highly resistant but not indestructible, just as any other component are exposed to wear. When you require a new tilt cylinder for your Clark forklift, do not hesitate to contact Lift Parts Warehouse services. With our tilt cylinders, your Clark forklift will control their loads easily once again.
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