Forklift Controls
Inside any warehouse setting, amongst the most common machines is a lift truck or forklift. These versatile equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that can move and lift bulky items.
Forklifts could maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting items into up high, hard to reach places. Forklifts are still really dangerous machinery and should be used in a safe way at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, take time to read the owner's handbook and be familiar with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of every specific control and what particular feature it functions. Most 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 move the forks upwards, you just pull back on the lever.
There is a second lever that controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability enables for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep items stable and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. In addition, it helps items slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
To be able to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and to be able to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Several forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the fork width. Each one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers should take advantage of experienced coworkers who can 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 functions.
Observation is often the best method to learn new forklift skills. So make time to observe a coworker demonstrating the function of each control. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you utilize the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are some hydrostatic models 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.