Forklift masts allow vehicles to lift objects.
The forklift mast is the component of the forklift that is mounted by the forks when they are lifted into the air. Composed of heavy C-channel steel, the forklift mast is usually made up of several sections, each linked together to form a type of vertical conveyor as the load is lifted by hydraulic cylinders. The forklift mast performs several critical functions on the forklift. First, the mast provides the vertical support to lift a load into the air over the forks; Second, the mast provides protection for the hydraulic cylinders along with the various hydraulic chains and hoses that actually operate the forklift components. Additionally, the mast hydraulically swivels and tilts, allowing precise positioning of a load when it is placed on a specific rack or shelf.
A forklift is a type of mobile forklift used to lift, transport, and stack heavy loads of items that are typically placed on pallets. With long steel forks that slide through openings in the pallet, hydraulic cylinders located inside the forklift mast are attached to chains, which are attached to the fork mechanism. Since the operator controls the lifting action of the forklift mast from a joystick panel mounted in the operator’s compartment, the forklift can lift the pallet into the air and place it on a rack for storage. The operator typically drives the forklift forward as far as possible and then the forklift mast tilts forward to position the pallet as far back as possible before the operator lowers the forks far enough to move the forklift away from the pallet.
Some versions of the forklift have a shifting feature that allows a hydraulic cylinder, mounted on the forklift mast, to slide the forks horizontally from left to right to position storage pallets as close together as possible to maximize storage space. storage. The forklift mast requires maintenance to ensure the hoses and cylinders are not cut or pinched. The forklift mast normally requires lubrication to allow the sections to move up and down inside each other without binding.
Another function of the mast is to provide rear stability for the pallet load as it travels in the low position on its way to placement on a rack or other location. Once the forks are raised, the pallet is normally raised above mast height, with only the short rail attached to the forks for rear stability. This loss of mast support structure when the forks are raised is often the reason a pallet falls off the forks and lands on the roof of the forklift. This action is commonly caused by erratic driving by inexperienced operators and can not only cost the company a lot of money in damaged materials, but can also seriously injure workers.