How to Utilize a Forklift
Forklifts are important machines which are utilized to transport and lift bulky loads and various materials. This material handling equipment is used on a daily basis in our society. Forklifts are found anywhere from a building supply business, in warehouses, at airports and within department stores and storage units. When operating a forklift, it is very important to be completely aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
First, you should turn the key to start the forklift. Become familiar with the levers located at the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you would be utilizing to transport an object from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it has to be positioned.
The next step is to utilize the first lever to move the forks up and down. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. To be able to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are unloading or loading an item, the forks should ideally be kept near the ground.
Prior to picking up loads, utilize the other two levers and practice first. The second lever is used for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from you. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards your body. These forks could tilt between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next thing to get used of is using the 3rd lever to control the forks movement from the left to right. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move in the direction of where you would like the forks placed.
Once you are familiar, carefully approach the load you want to pick up. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide beneath the load. Carefully lift the load by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to tilt the forks backwards slowly.
When driving around corners go slow and get into the habit of honking the horn on the steering wheel to be able to alert others of the approaching machine. Carefully approach the area where you would be unloading. Use the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is similar to stopping a car. Slightly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.