How to Utilize a Forklift
Forklifts are essential machinery that are used to move and lift bulky loads and various supplies. This particular material handling machine is used daily in our society. Forklifts are found everywhere from a building supply company, in warehouses, within department stores and storage units and at airports. When using 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 located at the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you will be using to transport an object from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it needs to be placed.
The next step is to use the first lever to move the forks down and up. Pull the lever towards you in order to move the fork up. To be able to move the fork down, push the lever away from your body. Unless you are unloading or loading an object, the forks should ideally be kept close to the ground.
Then, practice using the other two levers prior to picking up a load. 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 are capable of tilting between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next thing to get used of is utilizing the 3rd lever to control the movement of the forks from the right to left. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you would like the forks positioned.
Once you are familiar, carefully approach the load you wish to pick up. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from you. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide beneath the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load feels top heavy, be certain to slightly tilt the forks backwards.
When driving around corners go slow and get into the habit of honking the horn on the steering wheel in order to alert others of the approaching machine. Slowly approach the place where you will be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
When you know how to stop a car then you know how to stop a forklift. Slightly step on the brake. It is situated on the left of the accelerator.