How To Operate A Forklift

Forklifts are uniquely organized vehicles which are used in places such as warehouses and construction sites. Most of the manufacturing companies around the globe hugely bank on forklifts to get their work done. But to be employed as forklift driver is not that easy as one could think it would be.



Like any other job one has to be qualified to apply for this job because driving a forklift is not a child’s play it requires immense skill, expert knowledge and a good experience so to have a  productive and a successful work done.Though forklifts are uniquely used and built, its operation is designed based on how an authorized transportation vehicles work.

How easy is it to operate?

Driving a forklift is very much analogous to driving a normal car as it contains a steering wheel, brakes and an accelerator so one’s hands and eyes have to go hand in hand so that the operation is done perfectly.

Forklifts are steered by front wheels, because of its unique organization and weight distribution its control system is quite different and complex. A forklift reduces a lot of work, money, energy and time as its helps in lifting up tons of loads to a height of more than twenty feet which a normal workman would take a lot of time to do the same.

There are a lot of minute instructions that one must follow. This is because, forklifts are very heavily built vehicles and hence they must be run on smooth and even roads. Operating at high acceleration at narrow confines is very dangerous and fatal.

Though forklift seems to be easy to run but there are a lot of precautionary measure that a driver should take because these machines are very expense and dangerous.

So any careless attitude during driving might lead damage of the machinery or also might be a cause an injury or even death. So as reason a forklift driver must be well trained and must have expert knowledge and skill to operate carefully and competently. So here are few ways by which you can learn to drive a forklift!

Forklift Operator Guidelines

• Always complete the pre shift checks before commencing the forklift. The check list will be different for unique instruments. If in case any of the check lists are not fulfilled the machine can be taken out of service, which also ensure the safety of the personnel and goods. Here are some of the checklists to be taken into account.
  - Check the load capacity of the forklift so that you may not overload it.
  - Check the status of the tiers in whether the inflation pressure is maintained in case of pneumatic tiers.
  - Condition of brakes, both hand and foot is perfect.
  - The forklift hydraulic machinery and steering are in working condition
  - Check the fuel and oil level and check for any leaks.
  - Check the cautioning devices and horn are working correctly.
  - Check the fork parts such as carriage, bearings, and engine are working smoothly.
• Operator should have complete knowledge of your control equipment and meter readings, which can be found in the user manual.
• Make sure your workplace is neat before you operate the forklift. Do not operate when the area is crowded and obstacles nearby or any unstable conditions.
• Start the forklift by pressing the start button and use the steering to guide to the goods and special knobs and levers are provide to lift the goods and test all the controls. Do not forget to fasten your seatbelt and make sure it is firmly tightened and adjust your seat so that you can handle the controls and steering with ease.
• If you are not confident of driving or lifting, practice the forklift in an open ground with little weight and Adapt yourself with the controls, once you are confident you get on to the work.
• Estimate the dimensions of the goods you are lifting and adjust the forklift according to the dimensions.
• Always keep the forklifts close to the ground level. Carefully approach the goods to be stacked and correctly adjust the fork according to the dimensions of the goods and move backwards. Do not overload the forklift, lift only the required weight.
• While loading the forklift Approach the stack slowly, align straightly with the stack, apply breaks and lift the mast using the system hydraulics , move slowly and make sure the forearmsare completely under the load, now gently move the mast until it clears the stack, now gently apply backward tilt to sustain the load.
• Similarly while unloading move the forklift to the required position release the backward tilt, adjust the forklift mast to the required height, and gently move towards the stack and straighten the mast and lower the load on the stack.
• Once the load is secured move backwards and lower the fork arms. You may have to apply forward tilt incase the load has not cleared the forearms.
• After the duty is completed bring back the controls to neutral, lower the fork arms and make sure the parking brake is on.
• The main important note is that the forklifts drive on its ear wheels and there is a high probability of the machine rotating a complete 90 degree from its rear wheels, which may lead to many accidents and severe injuries. Hence forklifts should be operated very slow and steadily.
• Before unloading or loading the wheels of the forklifts should be choked. Always try to move on straight surface and bypass steep slopes to avoid tripping. And if you are driving on a slope keep the steering straight and move slow and steady. Activate the parking brake when you are on an uphill or downhill to avoid the machine left running. There is always a danger of machine turning off ,don’t panic in such conditions ,always backup yourself hold the steering tightly and put your weight on the opposite side of the wall and bring back the machine in normal position.

Forklift Operator Tips & Precautionary Measures

• Forklift is not a racing car; it is composed in such a way to lift hefty loads so keeping the goods to the ground while driving is sensible. Driving too fast than required might not be a good move.
• All forklifts are usually steered by front wheels and the machinery involved in it is very complex, so put on a lot of practice in spacious surrounding. Make yourself acquainted with the control systems by getting valuable instructions by professionals so to gain more knowledge about the kind of forklift that you are going to use.
• Accompany yourself with the person who is well experienced if you are a beginner and not fond of forklifts because operating these machines is not a child’s play because its complications and build up.
• Injuries may be very severe if you’re driving this vehicle for the first time without having foreknowledge about how to drive it.
• Till you have reached perfection and have trained well it is advisable to be cautious  while lifting heavy loads.
• Try not to drive on smooth or drained terrain so as to avoid forklifts to halt and get stuck in the mire. Be careful while accelerating when you get stuck in the mud because the vehicle is so heavily built it could turn upside down.
• A forklift can likely turn upside down if it’s operated at a high acceleration near narrow confines sharply.
• Try constantly to take less amount load because doing this will make your goal more clear. Doing this will relief you as forklift are liable to get lopsided while carrying hefty loads.
• Keep in mind to have your hands and feet under the roll cage of the forklift and never to keep them outside .Under the circumstances where the forklift might turn over make sure be there at your seat try to run the forklift the other side so that you can balance properly.
• In the same way make sure not dive when forklift is turning over because the outcome of getting smashed underneath a loaded forklift is enormous and fatal.
• Always attend safety classes whenever provide by the company.

Whenever you are moving in reverse direction always operate the reverse alarm.

Operating a forklift seems to as easy as driving a car. However, it is a very powerful machine that carries heavy loads and the challenging part is that it is operated in narrow routes. Moreover, unexpected incidences with forklift might turn to be fatal.

Therefore, a person who operates forklift needs to be certified, skilled, trained and explored to real time scenarios. This article guides you how to operate forklift and mentions warnings, tips and suggestions that are required for operating a forklift.