Forklift Controls
In any warehouse setting, one of the most common machinery is a forklift or lift truck. These all-around machines are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front which are capable of transporting and lifting bulky objects.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and could lift items into up high, hard to reach places. Forklifts are still really dangerous machines and must be used in a safe way all the time, after proper training and certification has taken place.
Make the time to read the owners instruction manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The handbook would feature the particular location of every control and the functions it has. Nearly all 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, you push the lever forward. To move the forks upwards, you just pull back on the lever.
The forklift's second lever is used to tilt the forks allowing for better weight distribution across the forklift. This tilting action helps to keep items stable and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. Additionally, it helps things slide off in a more balanced method while unloading.
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 types of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators must 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 in use. Ask the qualified professional if you have any questions regarding how something works.
Observation is normally the best way to learn new forklift skills. So make time to observe a coworker demonstrating the function of every control. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that in order to make the equipment go, you utilize the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are some hydrostatic models which are complete with battery powered engines which turn off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.