Forklift Controls
Amongst the most common pieces of machines you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile equipment consist of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front which are capable of transporting and carrying heavy things.
Forklifts can maneuver in small spaces and could lift items into up high, hard to reach places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous equipment and must be operated safely all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners instruction manual after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The instruction manual would feature the particular location of every control and the functions it has. Nearly all lift trucks 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.
There is a second lever that controls the forks tilt. This tilting capability allows for better distribution of weight. This tilting action helps to keep items steady and won't allow items to fall off when driving. Furthermore, it helps things slide off in a more balanced method when unloading.
To be able 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 that controls the width of the forks. Each one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced drivers must take advantage of qualified coworkers who could go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is turned off and not being utilized. Ask the qualified professional if you have any questions about how anything works.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is usually the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic lift trucks, notice that in order to make the machinery go, you use the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you just release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these kinds of forklifts. There are some kinds of hydrostatic forklifts which are outfitted with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up when the gas pedal is pushed again.