1. Narrow warehouse aisles: Focus on "space control" to avoid collisions
Scene characteristics: The width of the aisle is usually only 30-50 cm wider than the forklift plus the cargo. The surrounding area is mostly shelves and stacked goods, which can block the view, and the turning radius is limited.
Operating skills:
Extremely slow speed: Control the speed at 1-2 km/h (about walking speed) to reserve sufficient braking distance and avoid being unable to stop in time due to inertia.
"Small-angle steering + multiple fine adjustments": Avoid sudden steering (to prevent the rear wheels from swinging and hitting shelves). When steering is needed, each turn should not exceed 15°, and complete the turn through multiple fine adjustments. At the same time, pay attention to the trajectory of the rear wheels (forklifts are rear-wheel driven, so the rear wheel turning radius is larger than that of the front wheels).
Strengthen "predictive observation": When moving forward, observe in advance whether there are obstacles at the end of the aisle (such as other forklifts or personnel). When encountering blind spots (such as shelf corners), stop and sound the horn, and proceed slowly only after confirming safety. Use rearview mirrors and reversing cameras to help judge the distance between the forks and the shelves on both sides (it is recommended to keep a gap of at least 10 cm).
Control cargo size and height: The width of the cargo should not exceed 80% of the aisle width, and the lifting height should not exceed 15 cm (to lower the center of gravity and avoid hitting upper shelves). If necessary, drive in reverse (for clearer visibility and easier observation of the front).
2. Outdoor muddy ground: Focus on "anti-slip and anti-trapping" to stabilize power output
Scene characteristics: The ground has low adhesion (mud reduces tire traction). There may be potholes and stagnant water, making tires prone to skidding or getting stuck. In addition, there may be slopes or obstacles (such as stones) outdoors.
Operating skills:
Prioritize "low-speed and constant speed": Keep the speed below 3 km/h. Avoid sudden acceleration (to prevent tire slippage and idle rotation, which increases the risk of getting stuck) or sudden braking (which may cause skidding). When starting, slowly step on the accelerator pedal to maintain stable power output.
Adjust tire status: For long-term operation on muddy ground, off-road pattern tires can be replaced (to increase traction). For temporary operations, properly reduce tire pressure (to increase the contact area and improve adhesion), but be careful not to over-deflate (to avoid tire detachment from the rim).
"Choose the road rather than force through": Try to drive along existing ruts (the road surface is relatively solid) and avoid obvious potholes and stagnant water areas. If you need to pass through a deep muddy area, get off first to check the ground hardness (use an iron rod to test; a depth exceeding 10 cm may cause the vehicle to get stuck). If necessary, lay wooden boards or gravel to enhance the ground bearing capacity.
Deal with skidding and trapping: If the tires skid, immediately release the accelerator pedal and gently step on the brake to stop the vehicle. Do not suddenly turn the steering wheel or keep stepping on the accelerator (this will make the tires sink deeper). If trapped, try to reverse slightly (if there is power) or slowly drive out after placing hard objects, and never drag forcefully (which may damage the transmission system).
Cargo fixation and center of gravity: The cargo must be firmly bound (to prevent falling due to jolts). The lifting height of the forks should not exceed 20 cm (to lower the center of gravity and reduce the risk of tip-over). When driving, tilt the mast slightly backward (to enhance cargo stability).
3. Slopes: Focus on "center of gravity balance" to prevent tip-overs and sliding
Scene characteristics: The force of gravity causes the forklift's center of gravity to shift. When going uphill, the risk of backward tipping increases; when going downhill, the risk of forward tipping increases. In addition, it is easy to lose control due to insufficient power or brake failure.
Operating skills:
Strictly standardize "cargo orientation:
When going uphill: The forks should be in front (cargo facing the top of the slope), and the mast should be slightly tilted backward (the cargo's center of gravity is close to the front wheels to enhance front wheel traction and prevent the rear wheels from lifting off the ground).
When going downhill: The forks should be at the back (cargo facing the bottom of the slope), and the mast should be tilted forward to a vertical position (the cargo's center of gravity is close to the rear wheels to prevent the forklift from tipping forward due to gravity).
Low speed without shifting, no neutral sliding:
When going uphill, maintain a constant speed and avoid stopping midway (restarting may cause backward sliding due to insufficient power). If stopping is necessary, immediately pull the handbrake and block the wheels (use stones or triangular blocks to 抵住 the rear wheels). When starting, slowly accelerate while releasing the handbrake.
When going downhill, use low gear (internal combustion forklifts in low gear, electric forklifts in low-speed mode) to use engine resistance for braking. Avoid long-term braking (to prevent brake pads from overheating and failing). Never slide in neutral (loss of power control may cause accelerated sliding).
Control load and height: When operating on slopes, the load should not exceed 70% of the rated load (to lower the center of gravity). The lifting height of the forks should not exceed 10 cm (the lower, the more stable). Never turn on slopes (centrifugal force plus gravity may cause tip-overs).
"Avoidance principles" for single-person operation: If the forklift slides backward or loses control, do not attempt to jump out (jumping during tip-over may lead to being crushed). Instead, grip the steering wheel tightly and lean your body in the opposite direction of the forklift's tilt (to reduce the risk of being crushed). Evacuate only after the vehicle has stopped stably.
Summary: The core difference between different scenarios lies in risk points (collision, skidding, tip-over). Operating skills should focus on "adapting to risks, stabilizing the center of gravity, and precise control". At the same time, it is necessary to evaluate the environment in advance and adjust the equipment status (such as tires, fork height) if necessary, with safety as the top priority.
