Forklift Controls
In any warehouse setting, one of the most common machinery is a forklift or lift truck. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front which can move and lift heavy objects.
The regular lift truck is designed to work and move in small spaces and is able to carry objects to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous equipment and must be operated in a safe manner at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, make time to read the owner's handbook and familiarize yourself with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of every particular control and what specific feature it functions. Most forklifts have two levers which 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 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 items steady and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. Additionally, it helps things slide off in a more balanced way while unloading.
By pulling the second lever back, the forks would tilt back, when pushing the lever forward will tilt the forks forward. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each and every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators should take advantage of qualified coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not being utilized. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions about how anything works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the machine go, you utilize 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 some types of hydrostatic forklifts that are outfitted with battery powered engines which turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.