Forklift Controls
In any warehouse environment, among the most common machinery is a forklift or lift truck. These all-around machinery are comprised of a vehicle with two split forks at the front which are capable of moving and lifting heavy items.
Forklifts can maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting objects into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still really dangerous equipment and must be used in a safe way at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners handbook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The instruction manual would feature the particular location of each control and the functions it has. Most forklifts have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, you push the lever forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is another lever which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability enables for better distribution of weight. This tilting action helps to keep objects stable and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. Additionally, it helps items slide off while unloading in a more balanced method.
In order 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. Some types of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Each and every one of these levers is located just to the right of the driver's seat.
Prior to operating the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a qualified coworker. Be certain to do this when the forklift is turned off and not operational. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions regarding how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that to be able to make the machine go, you utilize the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are several hydrostatic models which are equipped with battery powered engines that shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.