Forklift Controls
Among the most common pieces of equipment you would see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around machines consist of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front which can transport and carry bulky items.
Forklifts could maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting items into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous machines and need to be used in a safe way at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners handbook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The handbook 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 be able to move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is used to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep things steady and won't allow objects to fall off when driving. Additionally, it helps items slide off in a more balanced method while unloading.
To be able to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and to be able to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Several forklift models are outfitted with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. 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 operational. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions about how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the machinery go, you use the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are several types of hydrostatic forklifts which are equipped with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.