Forklift Controls
Inside any warehouse environment, among the most common machinery is a forklift or lift truck. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle along with two pronged forks at the front that are capable of hauling and carrying heavy objects.
The standard lift truck is designed to work and move in small spaces and could lift objects to and from high up places. Forklifts are still very dangerous machines and should be used safely at all times, after correct 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 sure to take note of the location of each specific control and what specific feature it functions. The majority of lift trucks have two levers that 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 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 weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep objects steady and won't allow items to fall off when driving. In addition, it helps things slide off in a more balanced way while unloading.
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. Several kinds of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever which controls the fork width. Each one of these levers is located 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 qualified colleague. Be certain to do this when the forklift is off and not in use. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions regarding how anything 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 simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of lift trucks. There are some types of hydrostatic forklifts that are outfitted with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.