Forklift Controls
In any warehouse environment, among the most common equipments is a forklift or lift truck. These all-around machines are comprised of a vehicle together with two split forks at the front which are capable of hauling and lifting heavy objects.
Forklifts can maneuver in small spaces and could lift objects into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous machines and should be used safely at all times, after proper training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, take time to read the owner's handbook and be familiar with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of each particular control and what particular feature it functions. Most lift trucks have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the height of the fork. 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 a second lever which controls the forks tilt. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep items steady and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps objects slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
In order to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and in order to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Some types of forklifts are equipped with a third lever which controls the fork width. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Prior to utilizing the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a trained coworker. Be certain to do this when the forklift is off and not in use. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions about how something works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best method 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 would like to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are some hydrostatic models that are outfitted with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.