Forklift Controls
One of the most common kinds of machines you would see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that could move and carry heavy objects.
The standard forklift is designed to function and move in small spaces and is able to lift things to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous machinery and should be utilized in a safe way all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a lift truck, take time to read the owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of every particular control and what particular feature it functions. Most lift trucks have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. In order to make the forks go down, you push the lever forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is a second lever which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep items stable and won't allow things to fall off when driving. In addition, it helps things slide off while unloading in a more balanced method.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, when pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Several types of forklifts are equipped with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced operators must take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be certain to do this when the forklift is turned off and not being utilized. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions regarding how anything functions.
Observation is normally the best method to learn new forklift skills. So take time to observe a coworker demonstrating the function of every control. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you utilize the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are some hydrostatic models which are outfitted with battery powered engines that shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.