How to Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are material handling machines that could transport loads. Normally, these machinery are utilized in some industries to transport heavy supplies in a wide variety of environments such as warehouses, airports and supply companies. Anyone operating a forklift must be taught to cautiously utilize the equipment. It is vital to be completely aware of one's surroundings when driving a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Typical lift trucks are common in various commercial applications and are not hard to utilize with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of using a lift truck:
1 Familiarize yourself with the levers which would be used to maneuver the load and to transport the item from one location to another. The levers could be found to the right of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever could move the forks up and down. Pushing the lever away from you moves them down and pulling the lever towards you moves the forks up. Forks should be kept close to the ground except when loading or unloading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt as well as the right/left movement of the forks. The blades are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is better that you practice before picking up a load. Using the second lever, pull it towards you to tilt the blades back, and push it away from your body to tilt the forks forward.
4 The third lever is moved side to side to control the movement of the forks from left to right. Simply move the lever in the direction of where you want the forks to move: left to move the forks left, and right in order to move the forks right.
5 Carefully approach the cargo. Lower the tines and drive forward carefully until the forks slide under the cargo. Next lift the tines a few centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the cargo is top-heavy, you must tilt the forks backwards a little for balance.
6 Safe driving rules comprise taking corners slowly and honking to warn pedestrians or other personnel that the forklift is approaching. Approach the place where you will be working with care. Control the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load is placed, reverse gears and back away carefully.
7 Lift trucks stop in much the same way as other kinds of vehicles. The brake is located to the left side of the accelerator. When stopped, shift the gear into "park."