When you hit the forklift brakes on your Toyota or Hyster truck, you expect it to stop in no time. Otherwise, he could smash a charge into a wall or, worse yet, run over a co-worker. Like those on any other motorized vehicle, the forklift’s brakes are what stop the truck when it’s in motion. There are two types of systems used on most forklifts today: the drum brake and the wet disc brake. Many major brands such as Nissan, Yale, Mitsubishi and Komatsu offer drum and disc models.
With the drum system, you step on the brake pedal and the force is transferred through the brake fluid to the brake cylinders which push the brake shoes out. The shoes, in turn, press against the drums attached to the wheels causing the wheels to stop turning. Drum brakes are simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. They are less expensive to produce than disc brakes and are still preferred for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. They are also standard equipment on most forklifts with lower load capacities.
In the disc brake system, the cast iron discs are connected to the axles or the wheels. On a Hyundai forklift, they are attached to the output shaft of the drive motor. Brake pads mounted on the calipers are hydraulically forced against both sides of the discs. The friction causes the disks and the wheels, to which they are attached, to stop turning. Forklift manufacturers typically install disc brakes on their heavy-duty models, often as standard equipment on trucks over 10,000 pounds. Trucks with disc brakes can stop in a shorter distance than those with drum brakes. They take longer to suffer from brake fade and stay dry longer in humid weather.
Because friction is part of the process, forklift brakes are subject to constant stress. Therefore, it is important to inspect them frequently and put them through a regular maintenance schedule. When your drum brake doesn’t offer any resistance or makes screeching noises, it’s time to take a closer look. For drum systems, good maintenance means making sure the fluid is topped up at all times and that there are no leaks in the lines. Worn shoes and pads should be replaced. Drum brakes generally require service every 1,500 hours of use.
With disc brakes, maintenance requirements are significantly lower, which translates to less downtime. Disc brakes are sealed to protect against rust and contamination, and are immersed in oil to help parts last longer. However, the brake pads and discs will wear out and will need to be replaced. Brake rotors should last twice as long as brake pads. Brake discs should always be replaced in pairs to achieve balanced braking action.
So whether your truck uses drum brakes or disc brakes, regular checks and maintenance of your forklift brakes will ensure your truck stops and your business continues.