Forklift Controls
Amongst the most common kinds of machinery you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment consist of a vehicle with two split forks at the front which could haul and lift bulky items.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and could lift items into up high, hard to reach places. Forklifts are still really dangerous equipment and should be operated in a safe manner at all times, after proper training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, take time to read the owner's handbook and be familiar with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of every specific control and what specific feature it functions. Most forklifts have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the height of the fork. In order to make the forks go down, the lever should be pushed forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is another lever which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep objects steady and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. In addition, it helps things slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, while pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Some kinds 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 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 qualified professional if you have any questions regarding how something functions.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that to be able 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 types of lift trucks. There are several hydrostatic models which are complete with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.