How to Use a Forklift
Lift trucks are lifting machines which can move cargo. They are normally used in various industries to move heavy supplies. They can be found at building supply companies, warehouses and airports. Anyone operating a lift truck must be trained to utilize the machine cautiously. It is critical to be totally aware of one's surroundings when operating a forklift. Lift trucks are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Standard lift trucks are common in a wide range of commercial applications and are really not hard to operate with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of operating a forklift:
1 Familiarize yourself with the levers that would be used to maneuver the load and to move the item from one location to another. The levers could be found to the steering wheel's right side.
2 The first lever could move the tines down and up. Pulling the lever towards you moves the blades up, and pushing the lever away from you moves them down. Tines must always be kept near the ground except when unloading or loading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt as well as the left/right movement of the tines. The tines are designed to tilt between 15 and 30 degrees. It is recommended that you practice prior to picking up a load. Utilizing the second lever, pull it towards your body to tilt the forks back, and push it away from your body to tilt the forks forward.
4 The third lever is moved side to side to control the fork's movement from left to right. Simply move the lever towards where you want the blades to move: left to move the tines left, and right in order to move the blades right.
5 Cautiously approach the load. Lower the tines and drive forward cautiously until the forks slide under the cargo. Next lift the forks several centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the cargo is top-heavy, you should tilt the blades backwards a small amount for balance.
6 Alert other individuals and personnel when the lift truck is approaching by honking and take safety precautions by slowly taking corners and honking. Approach the place where you will 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 Forklifts stop pretty much the same way as other types of vehicles. The brake is situated to the left side of the accelerator. When stopped, put the gear into "park."