How to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are essential machines which are utilized to transport and lift bulky loads and various supplies. This particular material handling machine is used daily in our society. Forklifts are found all around from inside warehouses, a building supply business, in department stores and storage units and at airports. When operating a forklift, it is important to be completely aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
The first step is to start the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers located at the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you would be using to transport an object from one place to another and also to maneuver the thing to where it needs to be positioned.
The next step is to utilize the first lever to move the forks up and down. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. To be able to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are unloading or loading an item, the forks must ideally be kept close to the ground.
Then, practice using the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is responsible for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from you. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards your body. These forks could tilt between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next thing to get used of is utilizing the 3rd lever to control the movement of the forks from the right to left. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move in the direction of where you want the forks positioned.
Once you are familiar, carefully approach the load you want to pick up. To be able to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide under the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to tilt the forks backwards slightly.
When driving around corners go slow and get into the habit of honking the horn on the steering wheel in order to alert others of the approaching machine. Slowly approach the place where you would be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
When you know how to stop a motor vehicle then you know how to stop a forklift. Slowly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.