Forklift Controls
One of the most common pieces of machinery you would see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around equipment are comprised of a vehicle with two pronged forks at the front that can transport and carry bulky items.
The regular forklift is designed to work and move in small spaces and can lift things to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still really dangerous equipment and need to be used in a safe way all the time, after proper 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 manual will feature the particular location of each and every control and the functions it has. Nearly all lift trucks have two levers which 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 be able to move the forks upwards, you simply pull back on the lever.
There is another lever which controls the tilt of the forks. This tilting capability allows for better weight distribution. This tilting action helps to keep things steady and won't allow objects to fall off when driving. Furthermore, it helps objects slide off while unloading in a more balanced method.
To be able to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and in order to tilt the forks forward, you just push the lever forward. Various types of forklifts are outfitted with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Each and every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Prior to using the forklift, sit inside of it and go over what the controls do with a qualified colleague. Be sure to do this when the forklift is turned off and not in use. 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 equipment go, you use the gas. And if you would like to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of lift trucks. There are several kinds of hydrostatic forklifts which are equipped with battery powered engines which shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.