Forklift Controls
One of the most common pieces of machines you will see in any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around machinery consist of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front that are capable of transporting and lifting heavy items.
The standard lift truck is designed to work and move in small spaces and could carry things to and from high up places. Forklifts are still very dangerous machines and have to be utilized in a safe manner at all times, after proper training and certification has taken place.
When new to a lift truck, make time to read the owner's instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of each particular control and what specific feature it functions. Most lift trucks have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. 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.
The forklift's second lever is utilized to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep objects stable and won't allow items to fall off while driving. Furthermore, it helps items slide off in a more balanced method while unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, while pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Several forklift models are equipped 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.
Inexperienced operators should take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is turned off and not being used. Ask the qualified professional if you have any questions regarding how something works.
Observation is often the best method to learn new forklift skills. So make time to observe a coworker showing the function of each control. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you utilize 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 some hydrostatic models that are equipped with battery powered engines that shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.