How to Properly Utilize a Lift truck
Forklifts are material handling machinery which can move cargo. Normally, these machines are utilized in certain industries to move heavy materials in various environments such as warehouses, airports and supply companies. Any individual operating a forklift must be taught to use the machinery carefully. It is vital to be fully aware of one's surroundings when driving a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Typical lift trucks are popular in various commercial applications and are really not difficult to operate with proper training. The following steps outline the fundamentals of operating a forklift:
1 Get familiar with all the levers which are used to transport and maneuver the load from location to another location. The levers could be found to the right side of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever controls the up and down movement of the tines. Pulling the lever towards you moves the tines up, and pushing the lever away from your body moves them down. Forks should always be kept close to the ground except when loading or unloading.
3 The two other levers work to control the blades movement left and right 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. Using the second lever, push it away from your body to tilt the blades forward, and pull it towards your body to tilt the blades back.
4 The third lever is moved side to side to control the movement of the forks from left to right. Simply move the lever towards where you want the blades to move: left to move the tines left, and right to move the tines right.
5 Always approach a load cautiously. Lower the blades and drive forward carefully until the tines slide under the cargo. Next lift the blades several centimeters by pulling the lever towards you. If the load is top-heavy, you have to tilt the tines backwards a little for balance.
6 Safe driving rules consist of slowly taking corners and honking to warn pedestrians or other personnel that the lift truck is approaching. Approach the area where you would be working carefully. Manipulate the levers to maneuver the cargo to where it is going. When the cargo is placed, reverse gears and back away cautiously.
7 A lift truck stops the same way as a car. The brake is found to the accelerator's left side. When stopped, shift the gear into "park."