| Whether you are going to start on a new large | | | | Maneuvering New Or Used Forklifts |
| forklift or are beginning with smaller used forklifts, | | | | If you have never driven a forklift before, you |
| these dangerous machines shouldn't be taken lightly. | | | | should undergo safety training and always have an |
| It isn't necessarily hard, but it definitely takes some | | | | experienced driver with you. You want to learn what |
| practice to get the hang of moving these machines | | | | the different levers, pedals, and buttons do before |
| around. You should always have training and an | | | | starting the machine and then start to move it |
| experienced driver around when you start, but here | | | | around in an open area. You will find that all of them, |
| are a few tips to get you started and well on your | | | | regardless of their model, brand, or year, will be rear |
| way to becoming the in house expert. | | | | wheel drive, but they will all move a little differently |
| Moving Loads With The Forklift | | | | and have different gauges. |
| When you first start operating the machine, it is | | | | Safety and security is a large part of the job. In |
| always a good idea to move empty pallets or other | | | | addition to operational safety, you also need to learn |
| items that don't move or fall off as easily. This will | | | | how to load a pallet, how to work with loads that |
| give you a chance to get familiar with how the new | | | | are uneven or oversized, and how to check for |
| or used forklifts work without being overly | | | | unstable loads. Lastly, you always want to be certain |
| concerned about making a mistake or dumping a load. | | | | that you know what the machine is rated for and |
| Make sure to practice moving around with the load | | | | how much weight it can move safely. |
| as low as you possibly can. This will help limit the | | | | Whether you work in Minneapolis or Chicago, forklift |
| damage and injury risk if something should go wrong. | | | | driving is a valuable skill that crosses into a variety of |
| You also want to keep your speed slow and steady | | | | industries, leaving the door wide open for future |
| to avoid injury and prevent from jerking the load. | | | | jobs, even within the same company. However, this |
| Sharp turns and traveling over uneven ground too | | | | skill is a never-ending learning process. Whether you |
| quickly can also cause the load to fall. When you are | | | | are working with new or used forklifts, always keep |
| completely comfortable with the controls, start | | | | safety in the forefront of your mind. All it takes is a |
| moving small loads (preferably that don't break or | | | | good thought process and experience combined with |
| shatter if they fall) and move onto larger and heavier | | | | these helpful tips, and you will be well on your way |
| items as you get experience. | | | | to becoming the company product relocation expert. |