Forklift Controls
One of the most common kinds of machinery you will see inside any warehouse is a forklift. These all-around machines consist of a vehicle along with two split forks at the front that can move and carry bulky things.
The regular lift truck is built to work and move in small spaces and can lift things to and from high up places. Lift trucks are still extremely dangerous equipment and have to be used in a safe way all the time, after correct training and certification has taken place.
When new to a forklift, make time to read the owner's guidebook and be familiar with the controls. Be certain to take note of the location of every specific control and what specific feature it functions. 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 be able to move the forks upwards, you simply 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 objects steady and won't allow objects to fall off while driving. Additionally, it helps items slide off while unloading in a more balanced way.
In order to tilt the forks back, you pull the lever back and in order to tilt the forks forward, you just push the lever forward. Several forklift models are equipped with a third lever that controls the width of the forks. Every one of these levers is located just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators should take advantage of experienced coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this while the forklift is turned off and not in use. Ask the trained professional if you have any questions about how something functions.
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 forklifts, notice that in order to make the machine go, you utilize 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 forklifts. There are several kinds of hydrostatic forklifts that are complete with battery powered engines that shut off when the gas pedal is released. They start up once the gas pedal is pushed again.