Forklift Controls
In any warehouse environment, among the most common machines is a forklift or lift truck. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle with two split forks at the front that could move and carry heavy objects.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting objects into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous machinery and have to be used safely at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a lift truck, make 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. 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 enables for better distribution of weight. This tilting action helps to keep objects stable and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Furthermore, it helps objects slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, when pushing the lever forward would tilt the forks forward. Several types of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever which controls the fork width. Each and every one of these levers is located just to the right of the driver's seat.
Prior to utilizing the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a trained colleague. Be certain to do this when the forklift is turned off and not being used. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions about how anything functions.
Observation is usually the best method to learn new forklift skills. So take time to observe a coworker showing the function of each control. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that to be able to make the machinery 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 types of lift trucks. There are some hydrostatic models which are outfitted with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.