Forklift Controls
In any warehouse environment, among the most common machinery is a lift truck or forklift. These all-around machinery are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that could transport and lift heavy items.
Forklifts can maneuver in small spaces and could lift objects into hard to reach, up high places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous machines and need to be used in a safe way all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, take time to read the owner's handbook and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be sure to take note of the location of each particular control and what particular feature it functions. The majority of lift trucks have two levers which control the forks. The first lever controls the height of the fork. In order to make the forks go down, the lever must be pushed forward. To move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is utilized to tilt the forks allowing for better distribution of weight across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep objects steady and won't allow items to fall off when driving. In addition, it helps things slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
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. Several kinds of forklifts are equipped with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Each and every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators must take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is turned off and not in use. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions about how anything 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 machinery go, you use the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are several hydrostatic models that are outfitted with battery powered engines that turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.