How to Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are material handling equipment which can transport loads. Normally, these machines are used in some industries to transport heavy supplies in various settings like supply companies, warehouses and airports. Any individual operating a forklift must be trained to cautiously use the machinery. It is critical to be fully aware of one's environment while operating a forklift. Lift trucks are designed to run on gasoline, propane, diesel or batteries. Standard lift trucks are popular in various commercial applications and are truly not difficult to utilize with correct training. The following steps outline the fundamentals of using a lift truck:
1 Familiarize yourself with the levers which would be utilized to maneuver the load and to move the item from one location to another. The levers could be found to the right side of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever controls the down and up movement of the blades. Pushing the lever away from you moves them down and pulling the lever towards your body moves the blades up. Blades should always be kept close to the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The two other levers work to control the blades movement left and right and to control the forks tilt. The blades are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is better that you practice prior to picking up a load. Utilizing the second lever, push it away from your body to tilt the tines forward, and pull it towards you to tilt the tines back.
4 Lever number 4 is used to control the forks side to side movement from right to left. Simply move the lever towards where you would like the forks to move: right in order to move the tines right and left to move the blades left.
5 Always approach a cargo cautiously. Lower the blades and drive forward carefully until the tines slide under the cargo. After that lift the blades several centimeters by pulling the lever towards you. If the load is top-heavy, you have to tilt the tines backwards a small amount for balance.
6 Safe driving regulations include slowly taking corners and honking to alert pedestrians or other employees that the lift truck is approaching. Approach the place where you will be working carefully. Manipulate the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load is placed, reverse gears and back away carefully.
7 Lift trucks stop in much the same way as other types of vehicles. The brake is situated to the left of the accelerator. When stopped, shift the gear into "park."