How to Utilize a Forklift
Lift trucks are material handling machines that can move loads. Normally, these machines are used in certain industries to transport heavy materials in a wide variety of environments like warehouses, airports and supply companies. Any individual operating a lift truck should be taught to utilize the machine cautiously. It is essential to be completely aware of one's environment while operating a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on gasoline, propane, diesel or batteries. Regular lift trucks are common in a wide array of commercial applications and are not hard to use with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of using a lift truck:
1 Get familiar with all the levers that are utilized to transport and maneuver the load from place to another place. The levers can be found to the right of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever controls the down and up movement of the forks. Pulling the lever towards you moves the blades up, and pushing the lever away from you moves them down. Blades should always be kept near the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt as well as the left/right movement of the tines. The tines are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is recommended that you practice before picking up a load. Utilizing the second lever, pull it towards your body to tilt the blades back, and push it away from you to tilt the tines forward.
4 Lever number 4 is used to control the side to side movement of the forks from left to right. Just move the lever in the direction of where you want the tines to move: right in order to move the tines right and left in order to move the tines left.
5 Always approach a load carefully. Lower the forks and drive forward cautiously until the tines slide under the load. After that lift the tines several centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load is top-heavy, you should tilt the forks backwards a small amount for balance.
6 Safe driving regulations comprise taking corners slowly and honking to alert pedestrians or other personnel that the lift truck is approaching. Approach the area where you would be working cautiously. Manipulate the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load is positioned, reverse gears and cautiously back away.
7 Forklifts stop in much the same way as other types of vehicles. The brake is situated to the left side of the accelerator. Once stopped, shift the gear into "park."