How to Use a Forklift
Essential machines utilized to transport and raise various types of materials and heavy loads are forklifts. This material handling equipment is used daily in our society. Forklifts are found anywhere from inside warehouses, a building supply company, at airports and within storage units and department stores. When operating a forklift, it is very important to be completely aware of your surroundings in order to be safe.
The first step is to start the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you would be using to move a thing from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it must be positioned.
The second step is to utilize the first lever to move the forks down and up. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. In order to move the fork down, push the lever away from your body. Unless you are unloading or loading an item, the forks should ideally be kept near the ground.
Next, practice using the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is used for tilting the forks backwards and forwards. 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 are capable of tilting between 15 and 30 degrees.
The third lever is utilized to control the fork's movement from right to left. This is something that you must get used to. From side to side, they can move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you want the forks positioned.
When you are sure that you already know what you are supposed to be do, approach the load you would like to pick up slowly. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from you. Carefully drive forward until the forks slide underneath the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be certain to slightly tilt the forks backwards.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make certain that you honk the horn located on the steering wheel so as to alert other individuals of the approaching machinery. Carefully approach the area where you will be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is similar to stopping a car. Slowly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.