Forklift Controls
In any warehouse setting, among the most common equipments is a lift truck or forklift. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle together with two pronged forks at the front which are capable of transporting and lifting heavy items.
The regular forklift is built to work and move in small spaces and is able to lift things to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still very dangerous equipment and have to be operated safely all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The manual will feature the particular location of each and every control and the functions it has. Most lift trucks have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the height of the fork. In order to make the forks go down, you push the lever forward. To move the forks upwards, you just pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is utilized to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight 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 things slide off when unloading in a more balanced method.
To be able to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and in order to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Some forklift models are outfitted with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers should take advantage of experienced coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is turned off and not operational. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions about how something works.
Observation is usually the best method to learn new forklift skills. So make time to observe a coworker showing the function of every control. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that in order to make the machine go, you use the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are several 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.