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Forklift Tips

If used properly, a forklift can be a very useful industrial tool, helping to unload, stack, and arrange heavy objects with a minimum of effort. Learning how to use the pedals, configure weight on the forks, and make use of the steering controls will help anyone successfully operate a forklift.

  1. Pedals

    • Conventional forklifts have the "forward" and "backward" controls mounted on one pedal, which can be confusing for a novice operator. Learning how to toggle between the two without causing the forklift to jerk takes practice, but is well worth the effort. After turning on the ignition key, push gently to establish how much effort the pedal takes to operate.

    Steering Controls

    • Much like the pedals, the steering wheel has slightly different properties than an ordinary car or truck steering wheel. It is much smaller, and when the 'backward' pedal has been depressed, can execute a much tighter turn with the back wheels. A forklift's front wheels are much larger in comparison to the back wheels. Practice taking turns with the steering wheel in the 'forward' and 'backward' settings before attempting to lift any weight on the forks to get a feel for how it operates. Additionally, experiment with the lever that raises and lowers the forks. Experiment with raising the forks slowly, and dropping them rapidly, in preparation for lifting weight.

    Weight Configuration

    • In order to safely lift weight on the forks, insert the forks into the palette of the object you are lifting. Slide the forklift forward so that only three to six inches of the forks are visible. Gently raise the forks a few inches until the top of the forks meets the bottom of the palette. Keep raising the forks in this gentle fashion until the palette is suspended two to four inches off the ground. Allow the forks to remain stationary, until you have determined that the weight has settled evenly. If you are driving the payload to another location, drive slowly, taking care to avoid tight turns and sudden shifts in acceleration. If you are raising the payload to set it on a higher shelf, raise the height of the forks slowly. If the engine suddenly jumps in RPM, or you feel the forklift start to tip, set the weight back down rapidly--you are in danger of tipping over.

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