How to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are essential machines that are used to move and lift heavy loads and various supplies. This particular material handling equipment is used daily in our society. Forklifts are found all over from in warehouses, a building supply company, within storage units and department stores and at airports. When utilizing a forklift, it is very important to be completely aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
The first step is to power up the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you would utilize to transport an item from one place to another and also to maneuver the item to where it has to be positioned.
The next step is to utilize the first lever to move the forks up and down. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. In order to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are unloading or loading an item, the forks should ideally be kept close to the ground.
Prior to picking up loads, use the other two levers and practice first. The second lever is utilized for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from you. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards you. These forks are capable of tilting between 15 and 30 degrees.
The third lever is utilized to control the movement of the forks from right to left. This is something which you should get used to. From side to side, they can move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you would like the forks placed.
When you are certain that you already know what you are supposed to be do, approach the load you want to pick up slowly. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from you. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide beneath the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to slowly tilt the forks backwards.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make certain that you honk the horn located on the steering wheel to be able to alert other people of the approaching machine. Carefully approach the place where you will be unloading. Use the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is similar to stopping a car. Slowly step on the brake. It is located on the left of the accelerator.