Forklift Controls
Among the most common types of machinery you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two split forks at the front that could transport and lift heavy things.
The regular forklift is built to work and move in small spaces and is able to carry objects to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous machinery and must be utilized safely at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners guidebook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The instruction manual would feature the particular location of every control and the functions it has. The majority of lift trucks 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 be able to move the forks upwards, you just pull back on the lever.
There is another lever that controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability enables for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep things stable and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Furthermore, it helps things slide off while unloading in a more balanced method.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, when pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Some forklift models are outfitted with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced drivers should take advantage of experienced coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not in use. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions regarding how something works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is normally the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment 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 kinds of forklifts. There are some kinds of hydrostatic forklifts which are equipped with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.