How to Use Forklift Controls

Forklift safety is basically about coming down to a single thing: knowing how to operate the controls. Besides the forklift training and practice that all operators usually have, you also need to know the specific model you are using.

Controls of different forklift types vary, and for the same type, different brands, power sources, and models have different control systems. Check the manual of your vehicle to be familiar with the controls of your particular machine before using it!

Sit-Down Forklift

Sit-down forklifts, as one of the types of forklift used in warehouses, are quite common. this kind of forklifts is mostly preferred for longer shifts as it has a feature of sitting down the driver while using it.

With sit-down forklifts being either four- or three-wheel, it is the rear that is used to steer most of them. Three-wheel forklifts can be maneuvered very easily in small spaces, thus are narrow passage or small-space friendly.

Nowadays, electric and also internal combustion engines can power this type of forklift. Both types have the same control mechanisms. These are some of the specific controls typically found on a sit-down forklift.

Steering Wheel

The steering wheel of a forklift is very similar to one in a car. It provides the driver with means to turn around the obstacles. It has another design since it is equipped with a knob enabling single-handed steering.

A forklift steers from the back by nature. The turning center is in front, so the front wheels always remain straight. In the case of a three-wheel forklift, the rear part will tilt in order to execute a 360-degree turn if you turn it all the way to one side. According to the control panel, you will know whether your wheels are left or right, so you will be able to place the forklift accordingly.

Directional Control Lever

The directional control lever is the selector to make the forklift move forward or backward, or to be in neutral. Initially, to operate it, you need to push the lever in the direction of your motion and press the accelerator pedal to run the machine. In the event of reversing, you are advised to use your mirrors for better visibility.

Hydraulic Lift Controls

Mostly, through three levers, the hydraulics of the lifting and the forks are controlled:

• Left lever: In general, this lever pulls back to lift the forks up and forward to lower them down.
• Center lever: When you pull it back, it causes a backward tilt of the mast, and when pushed forward, it results in a forward tilt of the mast.
• Right lever: This lever is used to move the load from one side to another and is usually an auxiliary lever that does the job for one part of the total order.

Besides these levers, a reach truck may contain a fourth lever that operates the reach function, which extends the forks outside. This additional lever could also be responsible for attachments such as clamping devices.

Pedals

Typically, electric forklifts have two pedals, and three pedals are on gas-powered machines:

• Right: This pedal is the accelerator or gas pedal.
• Center: This pedal is the brake.
• Left: The third pedal is the inching pedal and is only available in gas-powered fork trucks. Quite like a clutch pedal, it sets the forklift to a neutral status allowing you to control the throttle to provide more gas to the hydraulics.

Other Controls

Given underneath are the rest of the controls that occupy the sit-down forklift operator’s position:

• Parking brake: This member keeps the machine stopped and stable when parking at that place. Usually, it can be a button or a lever on either the left or right side.
• Ignition: This is the slot where the key is inserted and turned to switch on the machine.
• Display: This screen provides you with critical information, such as battery level and any warning lights that may have come on.
• Emergency stop: No need to explain how this works. If you are in trouble, you immediately press the red button and the machine stops right away.
• Lights: You can hardly find a more convenient way to become enlightened. The lighting control is traditionally on the right side of the steering wheel.
• Horn: Just like in the case of a car, this is an object that you can use to make your colleagues aware of your presence on the jobsite or to adhere to other driving rules. The horn is usually available on the side of the directional control lever.

Stand-Up Forklift Controls

In situations where the operator needs to have more visibility or be on and off the forklift most of the time, a stand-up forklift is typically used. The design of the forklift is such that the operator can have free access to every part of the view around. Additionally, they can easily mount and dismount as the situation requires.

The controls differ from a sit-down forklift, mainly because the forklift operator uses only one hand to manipulate both the forward and reverse as well as the hydraulics with a single lever.

Steering Tiller

Although the multifunctional lever is responsible for nearly all directional controls of the forklift, the steering tiller still has to be used for steering.

Unlike the traditional steering wheel, the stand-up forklifts normally have a tiller, which is a lever with a knob on top. One turns the knob, wherein the same method as wheel turning is used, to achieve a steering goal. In this way, the left hand is responsible for controlling steering while the right hand runs the hydraulics.

The multifunction lever is the most important component of a forklift, for it takes over most of the forklift actions. When you move the whole lever to the left or right, the truck starts moving either forward or backward. When you release the lever, it will be automatically reset, though the machine will not lose speed.

By the way, the jack’s up/down movement is also regulated from the same lever. To lift the forks, simply turn the knob on the end of the lever to the right.

Pressing the back key will raise the forks, and pressing the front key will lower the forks. When you press the left key, you can move the forks to the left, and if you press the right key, you can move the forks to the right. You might find some buttons there to push the forks out and back under the carriage.

Floor pedal

Floor pedal: This pedal is often called the “deadman pedal,” and it has to be depressed to run the machine. Taking your foot off the pedal will stop the machine short. If the stop is necessary or in case of emergencies, use this pedal only as a last option. This is a particularly sudden one—use the brake a majority of the time.

Other Controls

Ignition: This is the place where the key is inserted and rotated to start the machine.

• Display: It exhibits at one glance on the screen one key topic: the police of Francisco’s emotions when shouted upon.
• Emergency stop: This button stops the online game and the party immediately. Emergency stop: Pressing this red button will stop the machine at once.
• Display: The control contains two panels. The one on the left provides

Switches: These operate the horn and lights.

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Some parts that were not entirely clear in the original text were improved in the rewritten text.

Order Picker Forklift Controls

Order pickers are a type of forklift that lifts operators up to the warehouse rack for the individual picking of items rather than the whole pallets. When you use the order picker, remind yourself not only about the harness but also to be sure that it is worn and properly attached for safety because most of the time/usually the operator works at significant heights where fall protection is required.

Steering Wheel

The steering wheel in an order picker is generally a flat surface and is part of the control dashboard situated in the cab. The steering wheel also has a knob that can be used for one-handed turning.

Control Lever or Twist Grip

Similar to the way a stand-up forklift is controlled, a control lever is the equipment’s moving device. You move the complete lever and shift it to the left and right to go in the forward or reverse direction. The machine will move once the lever is set to the middle position because it is still in the neutral gear.

You will probably find the buttons to raise or lower the platform on the end of this lever, likely on a knob like in a stand-up forklift. The machine’s horn may also be placed here.

On some machines, your motion is controlled by turning a twist grip.

Floor Pedals

Like a stand-up forklift, the platform also has a “dead man pedal” that must be held down for the machine to be operational. Only the emergency brake is applied when you step this pedal to stop, you must avoid it for every other stopping situation. It is possible that using it may cause the vehicle to stop suddenly and, therefore, causing you to trip and possibly fall down.

Inspect the machinery, at the very least, and preferably, anything else you consider important.

Go Back to The Operating Instructions

Shop for the operating manual of the machine you are using. Be sure to study it in order to be aware of the capabilities of the unit, safety, technical advancements, specifications, warrant, and service.

Go Back to The Operating Instructions

Actually, without a doubt, that is the correct way to go about it.

Both visual preoperational and operational checks are required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7). The checks consist of making sure the parts are okay and that the forklift is still safe to use.

Be Cautious with Your Load

When using a forklift, remember to be careful with the load’s weight. Always ensure that you are not carrying more than the machine’s rated capacity. The forklift should have a label that shows the exact load that it can carry.

Do not only avoid overloading the forklift but also pay attention to how you handle the load. It’s important to remember that the levers’ pressure determines how fast the hydraulics will move.

Make sure you control the direction slowly, with a definite decision, and not use quick movements, particularly if you have to handle heavy loads. Further, when the load is on the forks, tilt it backward to ensure that it is securely held in place.

Maintain Visibility

Visibility is the most important factor in a safe workplace. You must have an unobstructed line of vision and be aware of people, machines, and other hazards of the workplace. As you drive, always keep the forks close to the ground so that even if you are turning, you will still have a clear view of the way.