Forklift Hydraulic Clutch Assembly — Automatic Transmission Powershift Clutch Pack

This hydraulic clutch assembly is a complete clutch pack unit for forklift automatic (powershift) transmissions, consisting of multiple friction plates interleaved with steel separator plates, a hydraulic piston, return springs, and a clutch hub — all assembled as a ready-to-install unit. In a powershift transmission, each forward and reverse gear range has its own dedicated clutch pack; when the operator selects a direction, the transmission control valve directs pressurized ATF to the corresponding clutch piston, which compresses the friction and steel plates together to transmit engine torque through that specific gear path. This assembly is a universal-design unit compatible with 1-5 ton Chinese-manufactured forklift transmissions from Heli, Hangcha, and TCM. The friction plates use a paper-based friction material bonded to a steel core plate — paper-based friction material provides smoother engagement characteristics than sintered bronze, making it better suited for the frequent directional changes typical of warehouse forklift operation.

A complete clutch assembly replacement is recommended over individual friction plate replacement because the clutch pack clearances are factory-set — the stack height of the friction and steel plates is selected during assembly to provide the correct piston travel (typically 1.5-2.5mm from fully released to fully engaged). Replacing only worn friction plates with the original steel plates will result in an incorrect stack height, causing either delayed engagement (stack too thin, excessive piston travel) or clutch drag in neutral (stack too thick, insufficient piston release clearance). Before installing the new assembly, soak the complete unit in the transmission’s specified ATF for a minimum of 30 minutes — the paper friction material must be saturated with ATF before the first engagement, or the dry friction surface will burn and permanently reduce the friction coefficient by 30-40%. After installation, the clutch pack should be air-checked through the apply passage at 6-8 bar — the piston should move with an audible “thump” and hold pressure without leakage. Common failure symptoms: transmission slipping in one direction (forward or reverse clutch pack worn), burnt-smelling ATF (friction plates overheated from continuous slip), and transmission not engaging until engine RPM exceeds 1,500 (clutch piston seal bypass requiring higher pump pressure to overcome the leak).

This clutch assembly is a universal fit for 1-5 ton forklift powershift transmissions. Verify the clutch pack dimensions (OD, spline count, and stack height) against your existing unit before ordering. For related transmission components, visit our Forklift Hydraulic Transmission section.

Technical Specifications

• Clutch Type: Hydraulic Powershift Clutch Pack Assembly
• Friction Material: Paper-Based (ATF Compatible)
• Piston Travel: 1.5-2.5mm (Factory-Set Stack Height)
• Air Check Pressure: 6-8 bar
• Soak Time: 30 Minutes Minimum in ATF Before Installation
• Application: Universal 1-5T Forklift Powershift Transmissions

Compatible Forklift Brands

Each assembly is factory-tested for piston stroke and air-checked for seal integrity, packed in ATF-soaked protective packaging, and ships within 1-2 business days. 12-month warranty. Browse our Forklift Hydraulic Transmission catalog.