To someone, driving can be like walking in a park– easy, uncomplicated. While that can be true, driving a forklift irresponsibly can pose a big problem. Not only to the people around and the loads carried but the driver himself, if not done correctly.
Let us walk you through how to drive and operate a forklift.
First things first- as a driver, you need to ensure you’re using the correct forklift for the job. (FORKFOCUS, as one of the most professional forklift service company, we provide you with multiple kinds of forklift. Almost cover all your needs for different working conditions. )
There are various types of forklifts for different kinds of work, and it is your responsibility to pick the correct forklift as well as the condition of the truck is good.
Second, understanding how forklifts work and their correct use and proper maintenance can guarantee safety in the workplace. Check out this article regarding how to make good forklift maintanance.
So now that we have that covered, what is the proper way to drive a forklift?
- Make Sure You Undergo Training.
- Driving a forklift is very different from driving a car. You need to develop the knowledge and skills you need before you can begin operating a forklift from professional trainers. It is essential for a successful career in driving forklifts.
- Immerse yourself
- Doing training is not enough; you need to observe how it’s done by professionals, practice your newly learned skills, and do proper assessments and certifications.
- Know Your Forklift
- Every part of the forklift is there for a reason. A complete understanding of the parts and their function is key to knowing the early signs of trouble with the forklift. It will prevent unnecessary risks to you and everyone in the workplace.
- Always Do a Thorough Check-Up
- An experienced forkliftdriver will be able to tell right away if something is wrong with the truck. It’s a skill that comes with years of experience. As a new driver, this is something that you will learn through time. Doing a check-up before using the forklift can be a good habit. Are the levers, controls, and pedals working in order? Does it have enough coolant and oil level topped? How about the lights and indicators, are they working correctly? Adding this to your routine can have a huge impact on developing your skills as a driver.
We made above four important points in one picture.
Thinking that driving a forklift is just like driving a car is a huge mistake, especially for a beginner. It may not be as complicated as it seems but it doesn’t mean knowledge and preparation are not needed.
There’s a science behind it that requires knowing like the counterweight over its rear wheels, proper timing for turning and stopping, and the correct way of steering and reversing.
We hope you find this helpful as you start your journey in the safe and responsible driving of a forklift.
Any other questions you have regarding forklift driver, please feel free to contact us.
