Forklift Controls
Inside any warehouse environment, amongst the most common machinery is a lift truck or forklift. These all-around machines consist of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that can move and carry heavy items.
The regular forklift is designed to function and move in small spaces and could lift things to and from high up places. Forklifts are still very dangerous machines and must be used safely at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners guidebook after acquiring a new forklift to help you get familiar with the controls. The guidebook will feature the specific location of every control and the functions it has. The majority of forklifts 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 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 objects stable and won't allow objects to fall off when driving. Furthermore, it helps items slide off when unloading in a more balanced way.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, when pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the fork width. Every one of these levers is located just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced drivers should take advantage of experienced coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be certain to do this when the forklift is off and not being used. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions regarding how anything works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you utilize the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of lift trucks. There are several kinds of hydrostatic forklifts that 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.