A simple front-mounted forklift for small farms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to dimension, construct, and determine the operational characteristics of a forklift that can be front-mounted to a small agricultural tractor. The forklift was manufactured with a single mast with 5880 N (600 kg) capacity. The hydraulic system of the forklift consisted of a lift cylinder, a tilt cylinder, directional control valves, a manometer, and hydraulic hoses. The mechanical system comprised the forks, fork carrier, and the mast. The attachment designed allows easy installation of the forklift to the tractor. Lifting height of the forklift was 1850 mm and the forward and backward tilt angle was 11 degrees. The lifting speed ranged from 0.05 m s(-1) to 0.2 m s(-1) and lowering speed ranged from 0.01-0.35 m s(-1) depending on the load. Lifting time was 9-39 s and lowering time was 5-20 s depending on the engine rotational speed of the tractor. The static stability of the system was tested on grounds with 0 degrees and 10 degrees inclinations and no stability problems were observed. Using the system developed, loads of 1960 N were stacked and transported in various ways and the capacity was found to be between 4 t h(-1) to 16.4 t h(-1) depending on the travel distance up to 50 m. Capacity of the system increased to 36.7 t h(-1) in the case of maximum loading of the forklift.