CATERPILLAR FORKLIFT ELECTRIC MOTORS

Forklifts are powered by AC or DC motors or both. Previously, only DC was used in them. But now, most Forklift motors are AC. Though DC has some disadvantages, AC mechanism is complicated.

A Caterpillar Forklift Electric Motor has a rotor, an armature, a commutator, field magnet axle, brushes and a DC power source. All forklifts utilize electrical motors which run on 12, 24, 36, or 48 VDC batteries. They use lead cell batteries with 10-75KWh capacity. The batteries also add additional weights to provide counter balance against the lifted load to balance the forklift.

There are 2 types of DC motors. They are: Permanent Magnet DC motors (PMDC) and wound field. PMDC motors are used for continuous duty operations.  But because of lower horsepower ratings they are used mostly in steering systems and lifting pump tasks. Also, PMDC motors have lower stall torque. Wound field motors have higher horsepower ratings and they are used for heavy load operations with higher speeds.

The motor would have 96 to 192 volts if the forklift uses DC motor. The caterpillar forklifts run by AC motor run at 240 volts. A normal motor performs in 20k watt to 30k watt range.  The AC type allows the use of three phase, heavy duty electrically powered motors. An unusual characteristic of the AC motor is it has a regeneration feature. For example, if the brake is applied by the operator, the motor would be utilized as a power generator and send the generated power to the batteries where it can be stored.

You can get caterpillar forklift electric motors for any models here in Solid Lift Parts Inc. We are committed provide great service for our customers.

Caterpillar Forklift Electric Motors Photos