How to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are essential equipment which are utilized to move and lift bulky loads and different materials. This particular material handling machine is used on a daily basis in our society. Forklifts are found everywhere from in warehouses, a building supply business, within department stores and storage units and at airports. When using a forklift, it is important to be completely aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
The first step is to power up the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you will be using to transport a thing from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it has to be positioned.
Secondly, move the forks up and down utilizing the first lever. Pull the lever towards you to be able to move the fork up. In order to move the fork down, push the lever away from your body. Unless you are loading or unloading an item, the forks should ideally be kept near the ground.
Then, practice utilizing the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is responsible for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from your body. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards you. 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 which you must get used to. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you want the forks placed.
Once you are familiar, slowly approach the load you wish to pick up. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide underneath the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to tilt the forks backwards slightly.
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 machinery. Slowly approach the area where you would be unloading. Use the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
When you know how to stop a motor vehicle then you know how to stop a forklift. Slightly step on the brake. It is situated on the left of the accelerator.