Forklift Controls
In any warehouse environment, one of the most common machinery is a forklift or lift truck. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that are capable of transporting and lifting heavy objects.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and could lift objects into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still really dangerous machinery and must be utilized in a safe manner all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, make time to read the owner's guidebook and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of each particular control and what particular feature it functions. Most lift trucks have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, you push the lever forward. To be able to move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is a second lever which controls the forks tilt. This tilting capability enables for better distribution of weight. This tilting action helps to keep objects steady and won't allow things to fall off when driving. In addition, it helps objects slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
To be able to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and to be able to tilt the forks forward, you just push the lever forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Each one of these levers is located just to the right of the driver's seat.
Before operating the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a qualified colleague. Be certain to do this when the forklift is turned off and not being used. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions regarding how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is normally the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you use the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are several kinds of hydrostatic forklifts that are complete with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.