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Clark C500-Y80 Specifications

Basic Information

The Clark C500-Y80 is a heavy-capacity internal-combustion forklift engineered for rugged industrial applications demanding exceptional strength, long-term durability, and reliable continuous service. As part of the proven Clark C500 line - one of the most iconic and widely deployed forklift families in the world - the C500-Y80 provides a robust mechanical platform, powerful industrial engine options, and a heavily reinforced chassis capable of handling extreme material-handling environments.

With a nominal lifting capacity of approximately 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg), the C500-Y80 is used in steel fabrication yards, foundries, lumber mills, heavy manufacturing plants, industrial ports, construction-material distribution centers, machinery loading yards, and facilities requiring reliable movement of dense or oversized loads.

The C500-Y80 is built around Clark’s traditional heavy-steel frame, durable mast structure, and dependable mechanical and hydraulic components designed for decades of reliable operation. This model emphasizes mechanical simplicity, strong component life, and ease of maintenance. Operators benefit from excellent visibility, clear and spacious operator layout, rugged pedal and lever controls, and balanced steering.

Technicians value the forklift’s easy-access engine bay, long service intervals, durable drivetrain components, and minimal electronic complexity. The C500-Y80 stands among the most durable and respected forklifts in Clark’s history, offering unmatched stability, lifting performance, and long-term operational reliability.

Engine Specs

The Clark C500-Y80 was commonly equipped with powerful industrial internal-combustion engines such as the Chrysler Industrial 318 V8, Continental F227/F245 engines, or heavy inline-6 industrial gasoline/LPG engines depending on production year and specification. These engines offer strong low-end torque, smooth power delivery, high durability, and long-term mechanical reliability.

Engine Option (Chrysler Industrial 318 V8):
- Type: V8, 4-stroke, water-cooled industrial gasoline/LPG engine
- Displacement: approx. 5.2 liters (318 cu in)
- Power output: approx. 70-90 kW (95-120 hp) depending on carburetion and regulation
- Peak torque: approx. 250-320 Nm (185-236 lb-ft)
- Idle speed: approx. 650-750 rpm
- Rated speed: approx. 2,400-2,600 rpm
- Fuel system: industrial carburetor or LPG mixer with vaporizer
- Typical fuel types: LPG or gasoline depending on configuration

Engine Option (Continental F245 / F227 Industrial):
- Type: inline 6-cylinder gasoline/LPG engines
- Displacement: approx. 3.7-4.0 L
- Power output: approx. 55-75 kW (74-100 hp)
- Torque: approx. 200-260 Nm (148-192 lb-ft)
- Smooth torque curve ideal for heavy lifting

Engine Construction:
- Cast-iron block and cylinder head
- Heavy-duty crankshaft with large-diameter main bearings
- High-strength forged connecting rods
- Aluminum pistons with reinforced crowns
- Mechanical valve train designed for long service intervals

Fuel System:
- LPG vaporizer/regulator system or gasoline carburetion
- Multi-stage filtration system
- Large-capacity industrial air cleaner with replaceable elements

Lubrication System:
- Full-pressure wet-sump system
- Gear-type oil pump driven by the crankshaft
- Oil capacity: approx. 4.5-6.5 L (4.7-6.9 qt) depending on engine
- Oil pressure: approx. 250-450 kPa (36-65 psi)
- Oil grade: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40
- Spin-on full-flow filtration

Cooling System:
- Pressurized liquid cooling system
- Belt-driven centrifugal water pump
- Coolant capacity: approx. 12-16 L (12.7-16.9 qt)
- Heavy-duty industrial radiator with high airflow shroud
- Thermostat opens near 82°C (180°F)
- System pressure: approx. 13 psi (90 kPa)

Drive Train

The C500-Y80 is equipped with a heavy-duty industrial powershift transmission capable of handling large torque loads typical of high-capacity lifting tasks.

Transmission:
- Type: torque-converter powershift
- Forward speeds: 1-2 depending on version
- Reverse speed: 1-2 depending on configuration
- Forward travel speed (unladen): approx. 17-20 km/h (10-12 mph)
- Reverse travel speed: approx. 14-17 km/h (9-10.5 mph)
- Transmission fluid capacity: approx. 10-15 L (10.5-15.8 qt)
- Recommended fluid: Dexron II/III or Clark-approved ATF
- Directional control: column-mounted lever actuating hydraulic clutch packs

Drive Axle:
- Heavy cast-steel axle housing
- Differential: high-strength industrial differential assembly
- Final drive: planetary reduction hubs
- Axle lubrication capacity: approx. 7-10 L (7.4-10.5 qt)
- Gear oil type: SAE 80W-90 or 85W-140 depending on climate and loading

Braking System:
- Service brakes: heavy-duty oil-immersed wet-disc brakes
- Wet-disc design supports long service life and low maintenance
- Parking brake: mechanical lever-operated drum brake
- Consistent braking performance in wet, dusty, or outdoor environments

Electrical System

- System voltage: 12 V
- Battery capacity: approx. 90-120 Ah
- Alternator output: approx. 50-80 A
- Starter motor: approx. 2.5-3.5 kW
- Electrical harness: heavy insulated industrial wiring
- Safety controls: neutral-start switch, operator presence system (later versions)
- Lighting: headlights, rear lamps, indicators, optional overhead work lamps

Wheels and Tires

Drive Configuration:
- Drive wheels: front
- Steering wheels: rear
- Wheel drive type: 2WD with traction-optimized pneumatic tires

Tires (Pneumatic):
- Front tires: approx. 8.25x15 or equivalent heavy-duty size
- Rear tires: approx. 8.25x15 matching set

Optional Tires:
- Solid pneumatic tires for debris-prone environments
- High-traction outdoor-oriented tread options
- Non-marking tires for mixed indoor/outdoor duty

Chassis Construction:
- Fully welded high-strength steel frame
- Large-section structural reinforcements for heavy loads
- Reinforced mast base plate mounting
- Engineered low center of gravity for stability
- Internal routing for hydraulic and electrical lines to prevent damage

Steering:
- Steering type: hydrostatic power steering
- Steering pump flow: approx. 10-18 L/min (2.6-4.7 gpm)
- Steering axle: oscillating rear axle with large pivot bearings
- Turning radius: approx. 3.0-3.4 m (118-134 in)
- Predictable steering response under full load

Hydraulic System

- Maximum hydraulic pressure: approx. 2,300-2,500 psi (159-172 bar)
- Pump type: engine-driven external gear pump
- Flow rate: approx. 50-80 L/min (13-21 gpm)
- Hydraulic tank capacity: approx. 45-60 L (47-63 qt)
- Hydraulic fluid: ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46
- Lift cylinders: dual or triple depending on mast height
- Tilt cylinders: dual tilt cylinders with cushioning
- Optional hydraulic circuits for clamps, sideshift, rotators

Service Refill Capacities

- Engine oil: approx. 4.5-6.5 L (4.7-6.9 qt)
- Cooling system: approx. 12-16 L (12.7-16.9 qt)
- Transmission fluid: approx. 10-15 L (10.5-15.8 qt)
- Drive axle oil: approx. 7-10 L (7.4-10.5 qt)
- Hydraulic oil: approx. 45-60 L (47-63 qt)

Mast Data

Mast types available: Duplex (2-stage) and Triplex (3-stage full free-lift)

Lift heights:
- Duplex: approx. 3.0-4.0 m (118-157 in)
- Triplex: approx. 4.5-6.0 m (177-236 in)

Free lift: approx. 0.2-1.2 m (8-47 in) depending on mast configuration

Fork Specifications:
- Standard lengths: 1,067-1,219 mm (42-48 in)
- Optional lengths: 1,524 mm (60 in) or longer
- Fork width: approx. 125-150 mm (5-6 in)
- Fork thickness: approx. 45-60 mm (1.8-2.4 in)

Load Capacity

- Rated capacity: approx. 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) at 600 mm (24 in) load center

De-rating conditions:
- Increased lift height
- Long forks or fork extensions
- Attachments (clamps, rotators)
- Off-center loads
- Sloped or uneven terrain

Performance Data

- Lift speed (unladen): approx. 0.40-0.55 m/s (80-110 ft/min)
- Lift speed (laden): approx. 0.25-0.35 m/s (50-70 ft/min)
- Lowering speed (unladen): approx. 100-140 ft/min
- Lowering speed (laden): approx. 130-160 ft/min
- Travel speed (unladen): approx. 17-20 km/h (10-12.5 mph)
- Travel speed (laden): approx. 12-15 km/h (7-9 mph)
- Gradeability (unladen): approx. 25-30%
- Gradeability (laden): approx. 12-18%
- Drawbar pull: approx. 25,000-40,000 N (5,620-8,990 lbf)

Dimensions and Weight

- Overall length to fork face: approx. 3.4-3.7 m (134-146 in)
- Overall width: approx. 1.7-1.9 m (67-75 in)
- Overhead guard height: approx. 2.3-2.5 m (91-98 in)
- Wheelbase: approx. 2.1-2.3 m (83-91 in)
- Ground clearance: approx. 150-220 mm (5.9-8.7 in)
- Turning radius: approx. 3.0-3.4 m (118-134 in)
- Aisle width (1000x1200 pallet): approx. 4.8-5.2 m (189-205 in)
- Maximum fork height: 3.0-6.0 m depending on mast
- Free lift: 0.2-1.2 m
- Fork length options: 42-72 in
- Operating weight: approx. 6,500-8,500 kg (14,330-18,740 lb)
- Counterweight mass: approx. 2,500-3,500 kg (5,512-7,716 lb)

Maintenance Data

250-Hour Maintenance:
- Change engine oil and filter
- Lubricate mast and steering linkage
- Clean air filter and radiator
- Check battery condition
- Inspect belts and hoses

500-Hour Maintenance:
- Replace fuel filter
- Inspect driveline shafts
- Check brake discs and parking brake
- Inspect axle seals

1,000-Hour Maintenance:
- Change transmission oil
- Change drive axle lubricant
- Inspect hydraulic cylinders and hoses
- Check mast chain stretch

2,000-Hour Maintenance:
- Replace hydraulic oil
- Replace coolant
- Perform full mast structural inspection
- Test safety switches and operational interlocks

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