How to Correctly Use a Forklift
Forklifts are lifting machines which could move loads. They are usually used in a variety of industries to move heavy supplies. They can be found at warehouses, airports and building supply companies. Any person operating a forklift must be taught to carefully use the machinery. It is vital to be completely aware of one's environment when driving a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on propane, gasoline, batteries or diesel. Regular lift trucks are popular in various commercial applications and are not hard to utilize with proper training. The following steps outline the fundamentals of utilizing a forklift:
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 side of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever controls the down and up movement of the blades. Pulling the lever towards your body moves the tines up, and pushing the lever away from you moves them down. Forks must always be kept near the ground except when loading or unloading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt as well as the right/left movement of the tines. The blades are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is recommended that you practice before picking up a load. Using the second lever, push it away from you to tilt the forks forward, and pull it towards you to tilt the forks back.
4 The third lever is moved side to side to control the movement of the forks from left to right. Just move the lever in the direction of where you want the blades to move: left in order to move the blades 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. Afterward lift the tines a few centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the cargo is top-heavy, you have to tilt the tines backwards a small amount for balance.
6 Safe driving regulations consist of taking corners slowly and honking to alert pedestrians or other personnel that the forklift is approaching. Approach the place where you would be working carefully. Manipulate the levers to maneuver the cargo to where it is going. When the cargo is placed, reverse gears and cautiously back away.
7 A lift truck stops the same way as a car. The brake is located to the left side of the accelerator. When stopped, shift the gear into "park."