Lifting loads depends on forklift hydraulic parts working properly in a hydraulic system. It's what enables the truck to hoist, reach, tilt and sideshift. The main parts of a forklift's hydraulic system are a tank where hydraulic fluid is stored; a pump; a high-pressure line; and a control valve to which levers are attached. In an I-C forklift, the pump is connected directly to the engine so it runs all the time that the truck is in operation. However, in an electric forklift, a microswitch in the control lever starts the pump when the lever is used.

The pump draws the fluid out of the tank into the high-pressure line which feeds it into the control valve. The levers distribute the hydraulic fluid from the main circuit to the different cylinders which control the truck's hoist, reach, tilt and sideshift functions. Excess hydraulic fluid fed to the control valve is returned to the tank through a low-pressure hose. This excess fluid passes through a filter in the circuit between the control valve and the tank, or inside the tank itself.

The hydraulic system is extremely sensitive to even tiny particles of dirt. This makes the filter a critical part of the system. The seals for the control valve, lift cylinder and tilt cylinder are important to prevent leaks that lower the fluid level and to avoid contamination of the operating system. Low fluid levels or contaminants in the system can wear out pumps and affect a truck's overall performance. A damaged hose or line can also be a cause of low fluid. When not enough hydraulic fluid is in the system, you could experience load drift problems or uncontrolled mast movement.

The right hydraulic forklift parts will make sure that your truck will always give your operation the lift it needs.