In the field of forklift operation, it is crucial to master the correct driving skills, which is not only related to work efficiency, but also closely related to work safety.
Before driving, you must prepare well. The first thing is to check the vehicle. Before driving the forklift each time, check whether the tire pressure is normal and whether the tire wear is within the safe range. The tire tread depth should generally not be less than 1.6 mm, otherwise it will affect the grip and stability of the forklift. At the same time, check the brake system, including the travel of the brake pedal and the response time of the brake to ensure that the brake is sensitive and effective. Also check whether there is a leak in the hydraulic system. If there is a leak, it should be repaired in time to avoid affecting the lifting and tilting functions of the forklift. In the second-hand forklift market, different forklifts are used in different conditions. Second-hand forklift dealers like us will carry out strict inspection procedures when purchasing second-hand forklifts. Our professional technicians will carefully check the key parts of the vehicle. In addition to conventional parts, they will also focus on whether the overall frame of the forklift is deformed or welded, because this may be a sign that the forklift has experienced a serious collision or excessive use. And the inspection of the brake system will be more in-depth, such as checking the degree of wear of the brake parts, whether there is a replacement history, and the compatibility with the original parts. When selling a used forklift, a detailed inspection report will be provided to the customer so that the buyer has a clear understanding of the condition of the forklift.
In addition, the seat position should be adjusted according to your height and driving habits so that your feet can easily step on the pedals and your hands can comfortably operate the steering wheel and joystick. The angle of the rearview mirror should also be adjusted to ensure that you can clearly see the situation behind and on both sides of the forklift and reduce the visual blind spot. For a used forklift, since it may have been used by different drivers, the initial position of the seat and rearview mirror may not be suitable for you, so you must readjust it to the most comfortable and safe state before driving.
During the driving process, smooth starting and stopping are critical. When starting, slowly release the brake pedal and lightly step on the accelerator pedal at the same time to start the forklift smoothly and prevent the cargo from sliding due to sudden impact. When parking, predict the parking position in advance, gradually reduce the speed, and lightly step on the brake to stop the forklift smoothly. For example, when approaching the cargo stacking area, you should start to slow down 1-2 meters in advance to ensure that you can stop accurately in the right position. The operating stability of a used forklift may vary due to the age and maintenance. A well-maintained used forklift may not be much different from a new one in terms of starting and stopping operation, but some overused used forklifts may not accelerate smoothly or brake softly. You should be more careful to control the speed when driving such forklifts. It is also important to control the speed according to different working environments and cargo weights. In narrow indoor passages or crowded areas, the speed should be controlled within 5 km/h. In open outdoor areas with light cargo, the speed can be increased appropriately, but it should not exceed 15 km/h. For used forklifts, since mechanical parts may be worn, the speed should be adjusted according to the actual performance of the forklift. For example, the power output of a used forklift whose engine has been used for a long time may decrease. Under the same cargo weight and working environment, a slower speed than a new forklift may be required to ensure safe and stable operation. Slow down in advance when turning, and pay attention to the transfer of the forklift's center of gravity. When turning right, the forklift's center of gravity will shift to the left. At this time, the steering wheel should be adjusted to the left to maintain balance. Avoid sharp turns when turning, especially when driving at high speed or carrying heavy objects, so as to prevent the forklift from tipping over. The turning operation of a second-hand forklift also requires caution. Some second-hand forklift steering systems may have gaps or wear, and the steering wheel control feel when turning is different from that of a new car. When driving such a forklift, you should predict the turning angle and center of gravity transfer in advance. In terms of cargo handling skills, when picking up goods, make sure that the fork is fully inserted into the bottom of the cargo so that the center of gravity of the cargo is located at the center of the fork. During the handling process, adjust the fork spacing and height according to the shape and center of gravity of the cargo. For irregular-shaped cargo, you can use pallets or other auxiliary tools to stabilize the cargo. For example, when carrying cylindrical cargo, use V-shaped pallets to prevent the cargo from rolling. When operating a second-hand forklift to carry goods, pay more attention to the forklift's carrying capacity, because some structural components of the second-hand forklift may be aged or worn, and the actual carrying capacity may be slightly lower than the nominal value. Avoid overloading.
When driving in special environments, pay attention to driving on slopes. When the forklift is driving on a slope, it should keep moving forward when going uphill and avoid reversing. At the same time, increase the throttle to provide sufficient power. When going downhill, turn the forklift forward, slowly release the brake, use gravity to slide down, and lightly step on the brake to control the speed to prevent loss of control. When parking on a slope, use the handbrake and insert the fork into the ground or other fixed objects to prevent the forklift from sliding. When driving a second-hand forklift on a slope, because the brake and power systems may not be as reliable as new ones, you should be more cautious. When going downhill, you should lightly step on the brake more frequently than new ones to control the speed, and pay close attention to the temperature of the brake system to prevent the brake from overheating and failure. When driving on slippery ground, be especially careful, reduce the speed, and avoid sudden braking and sharp turns, because the braking distance increases and the tire grip decreases under slippery conditions. You can increase the tire pressure appropriately to increase the contact area between the tire and the ground and enhance the grip. For second-hand forklifts, when driving on slippery ground, special attention should be paid to tire wear. If the wear is severe, the grip will be greatly reduced. At this time, you should try to avoid working on slippery ground, or replace the tires in time.
In short, whether you are driving a new forklift or a second-hand forklift, mastering these driving skills can effectively improve work efficiency and ensure work safety. For second-hand forklifts, you should flexibly adjust the operating methods during driving according to your own characteristics and actual conditions. And when choosing a second-hand forklift, you can refer to the opinions and suggestions of some regular second-hand dealers, and get more information about forklift performance, price and subsequent maintenance from their rich experience, so as to choose a second-hand forklift that is more suitable for your work needs.