Forklift Controls
Among the most common kinds of machinery you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle together with two split forks at the front which are capable of transporting and carrying bulky items.
The regular forklift is built to work and move in small spaces and could lift objects to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous equipment and should be operated in a safe manner at all times, after proper training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners instruction manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The handbook will feature the particular location of each and every control and the functions it has. Nearly all forklifts have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, the lever must be pushed forward. To be able to move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is a second lever that controls the tilt of the forks. 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. Furthermore, it helps items slide off when unloading in a more balanced way.
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 forklift models are outfitted with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers must take advantage of qualified coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is off and not being utilized. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions regarding how something works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates 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 machine 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 lift trucks. There are several types of hydrostatic forklifts that are outfitted with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.