Forklift Controls
Amongst the most common kinds of equipment you would see in any warehouse is a forklift. These versatile machines consist of a vehicle along with two pronged forks at the front which could haul and carry heavy things.
Forklifts are able to maneuver in small spaces and capable of lifting objects into up high, hard to reach places. Forklifts are still extremely dangerous equipment and must be operated safely at all times, after correct training and certification has taken place.
Take the time to read the owners handbook after acquiring a new forklift to help you familiarize yourself with the controls. The instruction manual will feature the specific location of every control and the functions it has. The majority of forklifts 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 distribution of weight. This tilting action helps to keep items steady and won't allow things to fall off while driving. Furthermore, it helps objects slide off in a more balanced way while 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. Various forklift models are equipped with a third lever which controls the width of the forks. Each and every one of these levers is situated just to the right of the operator's seat.
Inexperienced operators must take advantage of qualified coworkers who can go over the controls with them. Be sure to do this when the forklift is turned off and not being utilized. Ask the qualified expert if you have any questions about how anything functions.
Watch how the coworker demonstrates the function of each of the controls. Observation is often the best method to learn a new skill. On hydrostatic forklifts, notice that to be able to make the equipment go, you use the gas. And if you want to make it stop, you simply release the gas pedal. There is no brake on these types of forklifts. There are some kinds of hydrostatic forklifts that 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.