Forklift Controls
One of the most common types of equipment you will see in any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front which are capable of hauling and lifting heavy objects.
The standard lift truck is designed to function and move in small spaces and is able to carry items to and from high up places. Forklifts are still really dangerous equipment and need to be operated in a safe manner at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners guidebook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The manual would feature the specific location of each and every control and the functions it has. Nearly all lift trucks have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, the lever must be pushed forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is another lever which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability enables for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep things steady and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. Additionally, it helps items slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, when pushing the lever forward would tilt the forks forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each and every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced drivers must take advantage of qualified coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not being used. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions regarding how something functions.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you use 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 forklifts. There are some types of hydrostatic forklifts that are equipped with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.