How to Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are lifting machinery that can transport loads. They are commonly utilized in various industries to transport heavy supplies. They can be found at airports, building supply companies and warehouses. Anybody operating a forklift must be trained to utilize the machinery carefully. It is vital to be fully aware of one's surroundings when driving a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on propane, gasoline, diesel or batteries. Typical lift trucks are popular in a wide array of commercial applications and are truly not difficult to utilize with correct training. The following steps outline the basics of operating a lift truck:
1 Get familiar with all the levers which are used to move 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 forks up, and pushing the lever away from you moves them down. Blades must be kept close to the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt as well as the left/right movement of the blades. The tines are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is recommended that you practice prior to picking up a load. Using the second lever, push it away from your body to tilt the forks forward, and pull it towards you to tilt the tines back.
4 Lever number 4 is used to control the side to side movement of the forks from left to right. Just move the lever towards where you would like the forks to move: left to move the tines left, and right in order to move the blades right.
5 Carefully approach the load. Lower the tines and carefully drive forward until the blades slide under the cargo. Afterward lift the blades several centimeters by pulling the lever towards you. If the cargo is top-heavy, you should tilt the forks backwards a little 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 will be working carefully. Control the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load is placed, reverse gears and cautiously back away.
7 A forklift stops the same way as a car. The brake is located to the left of the accelerator. Once stopped, put the gear into "park."