How to Properly Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are material handling machines that can move loads. Normally, these machines are utilized in some industries to move heavy supplies in a wide variety of settings like supply companies, warehouses and airports. Anybody operating a lift truck has to be taught to utilize the equipment cautiously. It is critical to be completely aware of one's surroundings while operating a forklift. Lift trucks are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Regular lift trucks are common in various commercial applications and are not hard to use with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of utilizing a forklift:
1 Get familiar with all the levers which are utilized to transport and maneuver the load from location to another location. The levers can be found to the steering wheel's right side.
2 The first lever controls the down and up movement of the blades. Pulling the lever towards you moves the forks up, and pushing the lever away from you moves them down. Blades must always be kept close to the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The two other levers work to control the tines movement right and left and to control the forks tilt. The blades are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is recommended that you practice prior to picking up a load. Using the second lever, pull it towards your body to tilt the forks back, and push it away from your body to tilt the tines forward.
4 Lever number 4 is utilized to control the forks side to side movement from right to left. Simply move the lever in the direction of where you want the forks to move: right to move the forks right and left in order to move the blades left.
5 Always approach a cargo carefully. Lower the blades and drive forward cautiously until the blades slide under the cargo. Then lift the forks a few centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load is top-heavy, you must tilt the tines backwards a small amount for balance.
6 Alert other people and employees when the lift truck is approaching by honking and take safety precautions by taking corners slowly and honking. Approach the area where you will be working with caution. Control the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load is placed, reverse gears and carefully back away.
7 Lift trucks stop in much the same way as other vehicles. The brake is located to the left side of the accelerator. When stopped, put the gear into "park."