Forklift Controls
One of the most common types of machinery you will see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two split forks at the front that could haul and lift bulky things.
Forklifts could maneuver in small spaces and could lift objects into hard to reach, up high places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous machines and must 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 certain to take note of the location of every specific control and what particular feature it functions. Most forklifts 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.
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 objects to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps objects slide off in a more balanced way when unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, when pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Some kinds of forklifts are equipped with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Prior to using the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a trained coworker. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not in use. Ask the qualified professional if you have any questions about how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the machine 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 kinds of lift trucks. There are some types of hydrostatic forklifts which are complete with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.