Although a load maybe placed on or removed from
a stack by using the hoist lever, you will learn from
practice that a load can be placed or removed entirely
with the tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism is
designed to raise the load arms slightly, as the mast is
tilted backwards.
Practice raising the load while the forklift draws
near the stack to reduce strain on the engine and the
brakes. Study the problem of load handling, and keep
in mind that carefully planned operations produce the
most work with the least fatigue to yourself.
Lift and lower with the mast vertical or tilted slightly
back. Tilt elevated loads forward only when they are
directly over the unloading place. If the load or lifting
mechanism is raised to pick up or deposit a load, reduce
the tilt in either direction. Remember the side stability
of the load and do not tilt back any farther than is
necessary.
CAUTION
Under no condition should additional
counterweights be added to any materials-
handling equipment to increase its stability or
lifting capacity.
Long Objects
As a forklift operator, you may be tasked to move
lumber, steel, piling, or pipe. You must know where the
center of balance (C/B) is to move long loads. Moving
long objects takes special forklift operator skills.
CARRYING.— The load on the forklift shown in
figure 8-23 is too wide for the door of the warehouse.
In this case, the techniques of operation shown in figure
8-24 should be followed so the forklift and long load can
be maneuvered through the door. With practice, this
technique can be used to maneuver around most
obstacles.
POSITIONING.— The positioning of long objects
for loading can be a problem, and it is best to place
dunnage under the object if it is not on a pallet. The
thickness of the dunnage should allow the forks to slide
out freely from the load. To load a piece of pipe, piling,
or anything round, you must place blocking or dunnage
to prevent the round object from rolling. Then tilt the
forks forward until they are flat on the floor and slide
them from underneath the object.
FORKLIFT SAFETY
Safety is a vital part of forklift operations. Many
forklift safety practices are as simple and clear as those
for driving the family automobile. For instance, before
you start your car, you check to see if the transmission
is in NEUTRAL or PARK. When stopping your car, you
do so gradually, not abruptly. Because a forklift is a
special machine designed for a different purpose, you
must exercise more caution and receive more training to
operate a forklift properly.
The techniques for safe forklift operations are as
follows:
1. Avoid lifting or hitting anything that is likely to
fall on you or other personnel in the area. Remember
that a forklift equipped with an overhead guard or ROPS
Figure 8-23.—Load too wide to maneuver through a warehouse door.
8-12
