Forklift Controls
One of the most common pieces of machinery you would see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile machines are comprised of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front which are capable of hauling and carrying bulky objects.
The standard forklift is built to work and move in small spaces and can lift objects to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous equipment and should be operated safely at all times, after proper training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The manual would feature the particular location of each and every control and the functions it has. Most 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, you push the lever forward. To be able to move the forks upwards, you just 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 items to fall off when driving. Additionally, it helps things slide off when unloading in a more balanced method.
In order to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and to be able to tilt the forks forward, you just push the lever forward. Various kinds of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Prior to utilizing the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a trained colleague. Be certain to do this when the forklift is off and not being used. Ask the trained expert 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 way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you use the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are several hydrostatic models that are complete with battery powered engines which turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.