Forklift Controls
One of the most common types of equipment you will see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around machines are comprised of a vehicle together with two split forks at the front which are capable of moving and carrying heavy objects.
The standard forklift is designed to function and move in small spaces and could lift items to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still very dangerous machinery and must be utilized safely all the time, after proper training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, make time to read the owner's instruction manual and be familiar with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of each specific control and what specific feature it functions. Most forklifts have two levers that 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.
There is another lever which 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 things to fall off while driving. Moreover, it helps things slide off while unloading in a more balanced method.
In order to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and in order to tilt the forks forward, you simply push the lever forward. Several forklift models are equipped with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Each and every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the driver's seat.
Inexperienced drivers should take advantage of experienced coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is off and not being used. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions about how something works.
Watch how the coworker shows the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best way to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the machine go, you use the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of lift trucks. There are several hydrostatic models which 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.