Forklift Controls
One of the most common pieces of machinery you will see in any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment consist of a vehicle with two split forks at the front that are capable of hauling and carrying heavy items.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting items into up high, hard to reach places. Lift trucks are still very dangerous machines and must be utilized safely at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a lift truck, take time to read the owner's handbook and be familiar with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of each specific control and what particular feature it functions. Nearly all lift trucks have two levers that control the forks. The first lever controls the fork height. 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 which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep things steady and won't allow things to fall off while driving. In addition, it helps objects slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks will tilt back, when pushing the lever forward would tilt the forks forward. Some forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators should take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is turned off and not operational. Ask the trained expert if you have any questions about how something functions.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the machinery go, you utilize the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of lift trucks. There are several kinds of hydrostatic forklifts that 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.