FORKLIFT TORQUE CONVERTER

The Forklift Torque Converter is found in the forklift transmission systems. This mechanical part transfers the rotational power produced by the engine to the transmission. This forms a collection of parts known as the fluid couplings which depends on the hydraulic fluid to facilitate the movement. In automobile applications, this mechanical part will be fitted into the automatic transmissions and will assume the workload of the clutch in the manual transmission that is to allow the generated power to be delivered to the wheels of the vehicle. A torque converter is an example of fluid coupling, which lets the engine to spin more or less independent of the transmission.  This can be experienced when an Automatic transmission Forklift is made to halt near an obstacle, the torque converter provides very less torque to engine and the Forklift keeps creeping. The housing of torque converter is attached to engine flywheel with the help of bolts, allowing it to turn at a speed similar to that of the engine.

3 Important Components Found in a Torque Converter

There are three important components that can be found in a torque converter which includes turbine, pump, and stator. The turbine is the part that spins at a rate similar to the rotation of the engine, but it makes the movement in the opposite direction. Due to the spinning caused by the turbine, the rotational movement helps rotate the wheels of the forklift.

The pump is a centrifugal pump that is found inside of a torque converter. As the converter spins, the pump pushes the fluid to the outside like a washing machine. When the fluid is pushed to the outside, it creates a vacuum which draws more fluid to the center. 

The stator of the forklift torque converter is situated at the center. Its role is to reverse the movement of the hydraulic fluid from the turbine, prior to hitting the pump again. If the fluid is not stopped and is allowed to hit the pump, the engine will slow down and the power will go to waste. This makes the torque converter’s efficiency better. The stator has blades circling the one-way clutch, which connects the fixed shaft, found in the transmission, to the stator. Due to this arrangement, the stator will spin against the flow of the fluid, forcing it to spin in the opposite direction. Stator has a clutch inside it, which only allows it to spin one-way, i.e in the direction opposite to the flow of the fluid. During motion, transmission fluid is forced into the stator, through the turbine, by the pressure from the pump. When the forklift is not mobile, the turbine would slow down because less fluid enters. Then, the stator would get locked until the turbine speed returns. Computer sensors monitor the forklift speed, engine load, and pedal position to conduct the process of gear shifting.

There are other types of couplings that can be used, but the torque converter is known for its better performance since this component can easily increase the torque, depending on the power of the engine. But, there is also a problem with this mechanical component since there is a chance that power is lost along the way. This will happen when the stator and the turbine does not spin at the same rate.

Testing the Torque Converter

The forklift torque converter is much like the car’s converter. A torque converter needs proper and precisely manufactured oil for its internal clutch. This explains the variety of automatic transmission fuels available in the market. Without certain additives in lubrication fluids, the internal clutch may chatter upon engagement. This chattering is a serious symptom that merits immediate attention. If left unattended, it can damage the entire transmission system. The factors affecting wearing out of the fluid including the duration of its usage, heat and mileage, which cause the additives to deplete. Depleted additives in turn adversely affect the fluid efficiency and can cause gasket and seal to shrink and ultimately leak.

The most usual indication of a faulty torque converter is a shudder or feeling of a brief shake while the forklift truck is driven at comparatively higher speed. This happens due to locking down of clutches inside the torque converter. In order to make sure that shuddering is caused by malfunctioning of torque converter, brake pedal is tightly pressed along with increasing accelerator. Stoppage in shuddering due to this will confirm the torque converter malfunction.

When there is a problem with a torque converter, one may mistaken it with a problem of the transmission, as the symptoms are similar.  The following is a quick stall-speed test to find out if your forklift is having issues with the torque converter:

• Check with the manufacturer of the transmission to ensure that running the test on the torque converter is safe. The newer transmissions can be negatively impacted by running a stall-speed test. Note that the test should not be run for longer than five seconds at a time.
• Ensure that all fluids are in good condition, prior to starting the test.
• Set the forklift parking brake and check the tires.
• Once the forklift engine is running, with your foot pressing down the brake pedal, put the transmission to drive.
• While keeping the brake pedal pressed down, press down the accelerator all the way. Hold the accelerator for no longer than five seconds as you watch the RPM and take note of where the RPM maxes out.
• Compare the maxed out RPM with the manufacturer’s specifications. If the noted RPM is lower than the specifications, then the torque converter is failing. Conversely, if the noted RPM is higher than the specifications, the transmission may be having problems and will need to be investigated.

After following the directions above, if the results indicate that there is a faulty torque converter, it will need to be either repaired or replaced immediately. Solid Lift Parts Inc. provides all components of the torque converter or its entire make-up at inexpensive costs for all makes and models of forklifts. Contact your forklift parts specialist today!

Forklift Torque Converter Photos