Forklift Controls
Among the most common types of machinery you would see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment consist of a vehicle along with two pronged forks at the front that are capable of hauling and lifting bulky objects.
The standard forklift is designed to function and move in small spaces and can carry items to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous equipment and must be utilized safely all the time, after proper training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners guidebook after acquiring a new forklift to help you get familiar with the controls. The manual will feature the specific location of each control and the functions it has. Nearly all lift trucks have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, the lever should be pushed forward. To move the forks upwards, you just pull back on the lever.
There is a second lever that controls the forks tilt. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep things stable and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Furthermore, it helps things slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
To be able 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 width of the forks. Every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Prior to operating 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 being used. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions regarding how anything works.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best method 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 kinds of forklifts. There are several hydrostatic models which are complete with battery powered engines which turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.