Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

If you've never driven a forklift truck before, this article will definitely help!

Steps

1. 1 Practice. Driving a forklift is not the same as driving a car. Loaders are steered by their rear wheels, have a cumbersome load distribution and are often counter-intuitive. Depending on the place of work, a certificate may be required or special training may have to be completed.
2. 2 Fill out the pre-operational technical control form. Inspect the vehicle for external damage or malfunction that could prevent the forklift from working properly. Pay particular attention to the hydraulics and condition of the tires. [Very important]
3. 3 Familiarize yourself with all controls and gauges. All the information you need can be found in the operating instructions.
4. 4 Pay attention to the size and shape of what you are about to lift.
5. 5 Make sure the forklift you are using is set to the correct width.
6. 6 To maintain balance, only lift the load to the required height to move it.
7. 7 Inspect your work environment; make sure it is clean and free of obstructions.
8. 8 Start the forklift with the key or start button. Check all major workflows. There will be buttons and levers for raising and lowering the lift, loader controls and speed control.
9. 9 Practice driving the forklift in an open area. Try lifting empty pallets or sandbags to get used to handling. Once you feel comfortable, you can start doing your routine work.

Tips

• Drive with care and follow all safety precautions in the operator's manual.
• Use common sense to determine at what height balance is maintained.

Warnings

• When finished, park the loader with the lift fully lowered.
• Do not operate the forklift in areas of heavy traffic or heavy traffic, or in slippery or other unsafe work areas.

What do you need

• Loader
• Any heavy load to lift
• Free space