Forklift Controls
Among the most common kinds of machines you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front which are capable of moving and lifting heavy items.
The regular lift truck is built to work and move in small spaces and is able to carry items to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still very dangerous equipment and must be used safely all the time, after proper training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, take time to read the owner's guidebook and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of every particular control and what particular feature it functions. 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, the lever should be pushed 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 weight distribution across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep objects stable and won't allow items to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps items slide off when unloading in a more balanced method.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, while pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Various kinds of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each one of these levers is located just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced operators should take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is turned off and not in use. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions about how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the machine go, you utilize the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are several types of hydrostatic forklifts which 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.