How to Adjust Forks on a Forklift

When you operate a forklift, there are times when the forks must be adjusted in order to accommodate different heights in the load stacking or to place loads in tight spaces. All forklifts are basically made the same, but some makes and models may vary slightly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Adjust the width of your forks on a forklift by picking one fork up with your hands and sliding it in or out for the proper adjustment. Repeat the process on the other fork. Make sure to try and keep the forks as centered as possible so that the weight of your load won’t be on just one side of the forklift. (Adjusting the width is the only adjustment that is done manually.)
2. Look to see how many levers are on the forklift you are operating when you adjust forks on a forklift. Some models have two levers and some have three.
3. Learn how to adjust forks on a two-lever forklift. The two-lever forklift is probably the easiest to operate and the most preferred by many forklift operators. The lever on the left side controls the up and down motion of the forks. It also controls the tilt of the forks, both forward and back. The right-hand control lever controls the side shift movement of the whole mast on the forklift. This moves the mast to the right or to the left positions.
   
   
4. Notice the arrangement of the levers on a three-lever forklift. The left lever usually controls the tilt. (This can vary on different models.) The center lever normally controls the up and down movement of the forks. The right-hand lever normally controls the mast side-shift to the right or to the left.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t adjust the forks on a forklift too far to one side. This causes weight shift and could possibly turn the whole forklift over.

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