Working with a Forklift

Practice operating the controls to get the feel of a forklift.

Forklifts, formally called powered industrial trucks, are vehicles capable of lifting an large amounts of weight. They are used in warehouses, loading docks, and anywhere that heavy materials need to be moved or stacked. Forklifts operate similarly to a car: They have a gas pedal, a steering wheel and brakes. They also have three levers that are on your right side that controls the forks. Take extreme care when operating a forklift, and note that each model will operate somewhat differently.

Instructions

1. Climb on the forklift and sit down in the seat. Put the seat belt on. Put your foot on the brake and turn on the key, just as if you were in a car.

2. Grab the second lever on your right an pull it back slightly to tip the end of the forks up off the ground. Pull back on the first lever on your right to raise the forks 6 inches off the ground.

3. Push the gearshift on the steering column forward to move the forklift forward, or pull the gearshift back to put the forklift in reverse. Drive the forklift to the desired material to be lifted. Look down at the bottom of the material, where you will see two wooden-framed slots. Steer the forklift so that the forks line up with the slots. Use the third lever to shift the forks back and forth and sideways if you need to. Use the first lever to raise and lower the forks so that they fit into the slots.

4. Drive forward slowly as the forks slide inside the slots all the way until they bottom out. Put your foot on the brake. Then grab the second lever and pull back on it slightly to tip the material back slightly. You will feel the forklift begin to take the weight. Move your hand to the first lever and pull it back to lift the load off the ground.

5. Drive the forklift slowly to the location where you want to set down the load. Put your foot on the brake. Grab the first lever and push on it to lower the load to the ground. Grab the second lever to tip the load down to the ground. When you feel the forks come loose, put the forklift in reverse and back away from the load.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice operating the controls of a forklift before attempting to pick up material.

• Since there are different types of forklifts, instructions will vary, and you will need to be trained in the particular model that you will be using.

• Forklifts are dangerous. Only use them with adequate supervision and training. Some states require forklift training and licensing; find out if your state does before operating a forklift.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Operating a Forklift

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook ... 2010-11: Truck Transportation and Warehousing