How to Properly Utilize a Forklift
Forklifts are lifting machinery which could transport loads. They are commonly used in various industries to move heavy materials. They could be found at warehouses, airports and building supply companies. Anybody operating a forklift must be trained to use the machine carefully. It is vital to be totally aware of one's environment when operating a forklift. Forklifts are designed to run on propane, gasoline, diesel or batteries. Typical lift trucks are popular in various commercial applications and are not hard to use with correct training. The following steps outline the basics of using a forklift:
1 Get familiar with all the levers which are utilized to move and maneuver the load from location to another location. The levers can be found to the steering wheel's right side.
2 The first lever can move the forks down and up. Pushing the lever away from you moves them down and pulling the lever towards you moves the tines up. Tines should always be kept near the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The two other levers work to control the tines 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 prior to picking up a load. Using the second lever, pull it towards you to tilt the tines back, and push it away from your body to tilt the forks forward.
4 Lever number 4 is utilized to control the side to side movement of the forks from left to right. Simply move the lever in the direction of where you would like the forks to move: left in order to move the blades left, and right to move the forks right.
5 Carefully approach the load. Lower the blades and drive forward cautiously until the blades slide under the load. Next lift the forks several centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load is top-heavy, you should tilt the tines backwards a little for balance.
6 Alert other individuals and personnel when the lift truck is approaching by honking and take safety measures by taking corners slowly and honking. Approach the area where you would be working carefully. Control the levers to maneuver the load to where it is going. When the load 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 left side of the accelerator. When stopped, put the gear into "park."