How to Utilize a Lift truck
Forklifts are material handling machines which can move loads. Normally, these machinery are utilized in certain industries to move heavy materials in various environments such as warehouses, airports and supply companies. Any individual operating a lift truck must be trained to use the machinery carefully. It is vital to be completely aware of one's environment while operating a forklift. Lift trucks are designed to run on gasoline, propane, batteries or diesel. Regular forklifts are common in a wide range of commercial applications and are truly not difficult to operate with proper training. The following steps outline the basics of operating a forklift:
1 Get familiar with all the levers that are used to move and maneuver the cargo from location to another place. The levers can be found to the right side of the steering wheel.
2 The first lever controls the down and up movement of the blades. Pushing the lever away from you moves them down and pulling the lever towards you moves the forks up. Forks should always be kept near the ground except when loading or unloading.
3 The other two levers control the tilt and the left/right movement of the tines. 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, push it away from your body to tilt the blades forward, and pull it towards your body to tilt the forks back.
4 Lever number 4 is utilized to control the forks side to side movement from left to right. Simply move the lever in the direction of where you want the tines to move: left in order to move the blades left, and right in order to move the tines right.
5 Always approach a cargo cautiously. Lower the tines and drive forward carefully until the forks slide under the load. Then lift the blades several centimeters by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load is top-heavy, you have to tilt the blades backwards a little for balance.
6 Safe driving rules comprise taking corners slowly and honking to alert pedestrians or other personnel that the lift truck is approaching. Approach the area where you would be working carefully. Control the levers to maneuver the cargo to where it is going. When the load is placed, reverse gears and back away carefully.
7 A lift truck stops the same way as a car. The brake is located to the accelerator's left side. When stopped, put the gear into "park."