How to Utilize a Forklift
Forklifts are essential equipment which are used to move and lift bulky loads and various supplies. This particular material handling machine is utilized daily in our society. Forklifts are found anywhere from inside warehouses, a building supply company, at airports and in department stores and storage units. When utilizing a forklift, it is really important to be fully aware of your surroundings so as 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 utilize to move an object 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 you. Unless you are unloading or loading an item, the forks must ideally be kept close to the ground.
Next, practice utilizing the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is responsible 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 used to control the movement of the forks from right to left. This is something which you should get used to. From side to side, they can 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. To be able to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Carefully drive forward until the forks slide under 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 slowly.
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. Carefully approach the area where you would be unloading. Use the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is similar to stopping a motor vehicle. Slowly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.