Forklift Controls
Amongst the most common types of equipment you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front which can transport and carry heavy things.
Forklifts can maneuver in small spaces and could lift objects into up high, hard to reach places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous machinery and have to be operated in a safe manner all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, make time to read the owner's instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of every specific control and what particular feature it functions. Nearly all forklifts have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. 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 weight distribution across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep objects steady and won't allow items to fall off while driving. In addition, it helps objects slide off when unloading in a more balanced way.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, while pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever which controls the fork width. Each and every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Before operating 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 operational. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions regarding how something functions.
Observation is normally the best way to learn new forklift skills. So take time to observe a coworker showing the function of each control. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the machinery 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 which are complete with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.