How to Properly Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are material handling machinery which can transport loads. Normally, these machines are used in certain industries to move heavy supplies in various environments such as airports, supply companies and warehouses. Any individual operating a lift truck should be taught to carefully use the equipment. It is critical to be fully aware of one's environment when driving a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Regular forklifts are popular in various commercial applications and are not hard to operate with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of using a lift truck:
1 Familiarize yourself with the levers which would be used to maneuver the cargo and to transport the item from one location to another. The levers could be found to the steering wheel's right side.
2 The first lever can move the tines up and down. Pulling the lever towards your body moves the blades up, and pushing the lever away from your body moves them down. Tines must be kept near the ground except when loading or unloading.
3 The two other levers work to control the blades movement right and left and to control the tines tilt. The forks are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is better that you practice before picking up a load. Utilizing the second lever, push it away from you to tilt the blades forward, and pull it towards your body to tilt the blades 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 want the blades to move: left to move the tines left, and right to move the blades right.
5 Always approach a load cautiously. Lower the blades and carefully drive forward until the tines slide under the cargo. Then lift the tines a few centimeters by pulling the lever towards you. If the load is top-heavy, you must tilt the tines backwards a little for balance.
6 Safe driving regulations consist of taking corners slowly 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 cargo is placed, reverse gears and cautiously back away.
7 Lift trucks stop in much the same way as other kinds of vehicles. The brake is located to the accelerator's left side. Once stopped, put the gear into "park."