Popular Science | What You Need to Know About Forklifts
Forklifts, as common special-purpose equipment, play a vital role in enterprise production and operation activities. What do you know about forklifts?
01 What is a Forklift?
A forklift is a self-propelled vehicle that uses its mast and forks to lift loads to a certain height for stacking operations. It includes counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, side-mounted forklifts, strut forklifts, pallet stackers, and three-way stacker forklifts.
02 Main Components of a Forklift
A forklift mainly consists of four parts: the power unit, the chassis, the working device, and the electrical equipment.
A common type of forklift is the counterbalance forklift. Its working device is located at the front of the forklift, and the center of gravity of the load falls outside the wheel arches. To balance the weight of the load, a counterweight is installed at the rear of the forklift.
Reach trucks have a mast or fork carriage that can move forward and backward. When the mast or fork carriage is in the forward position, the rated load is lifted with the center of gravity outside the wheel bearing surface. When the mast or fork carriage is in the rear position, the rated load is lifted with the center of gravity inside the wheel bearing surface.
03 Forklift Safety Operation Instructions
1. Before Operation: Operators must be trained and certified. Operating without a certificate is strictly prohibited.
Carry your operator's certificate. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Smoking, eating, chatting, and using mobile phones are prohibited while the truck is in operation.
Before operation, check the starting, running, and braking performance; check that the pressure and temperature are normal; check that the travel and hydraulic systems are normal.
Before operation, ensure that no one is near the forklift.
2. During Operation: When operating the forklift, sound the horn to warn of anyone standing or passing by.
It is strictly forbidden to carry people on the forks, pallets, or other carriers. Personnel are prohibited from entering the racking system from on pallets on high-reach forklifts.
Overloading and uneven loading are strictly prohibited. During loading and unloading operations, it is strictly forbidden to adjust machine parts or perform maintenance or repair work.
When the forklift is loaded, the fork height should be lowered as much as possible, and the mast should be tilted back during operation.
At intersections or other places where visibility is limited, slow down and sound the horn as a warning.
When driving on wet or uneven ground and turning, slow down, avoid sharp turns, and avoid sudden braking.
When driving on a slope, the forks should face uphill; turning on a slope is prohibited.
3. After Operation
After completing operations, the forklift must be parked in the designated area, and the handbrake must be engaged.
Lay the forks flat on the ground and perform necessary inspections, cleaning, and maintenance on the vehicle.
It is strictly forbidden for the operator to leave the forklift with the load suspended in the air.
When parking, do not suspend the forks in the air; it is forbidden for the operator to leave the forklift with the forks suspended in the air.
4. Notice to Forklift Users
Forklift users should conduct regular inspections of their forklifts and keep records. Any abnormalities should be addressed promptly.
Forklift users should provide necessary safety education and skills training to forklift operators.
Forklift users should develop specific emergency response plans and conduct regular emergency drills.
