How long should forks be?

How long should forks be?

As a general rule Hyster recommends that your forks extend at least two thirds of the way under the load. However you must consider the characteristics of your load. Your forks would certainly need to extend completely under the load when handling unbanded or loose material.

When should forks be lowered to the ground?

Lower the forks to the floor when parking the forklift. Make sure that the forks touch the ground when you are leaving. Apply the parking brake when it is the idle position. All operational controls of the truck must be in the neutral position before the driver alight the forklift compartment.

How far apart are the forks on a forklift?

For handling pallets, ideally your forks should be spaced equally apart center to the carriage/backrest, around 10 inches out from each side. But really there is no exact measurement; the best rule is to space them just a bit less from as wide as you can have them for the pallets/loads you will be handling.

What is forklift pocket?

Fork-lift pocket. Function/description : To indicate the location or area of the pocket where a forklift can insert forks to safely lift the equipment. Main field of application : Mobile elevating work platforms.

What will make the load more stable during travel?

When traveling with a load, always make sure to tilt the mast of the forklift backward so that the load will firmly place against the backrest to make it more secure during transport. By doing this, you move the center of gravity towards to rear of the forklift making it more secure when traveling.

Can a forklift tip over without a load?

Can a Forklift Tip-Over Without a Load? A forklift can become unstable, even if it does not have a load. For example, if a driver turns too fast around a sharp curve, their lift can tip. Or, if a driver is traveling on an unbalanced surface, their lift can tip if it shifts too far in one direction.

When picking up a load the forks should be?

Forks must be at least 2/3 the length of the load. Carefully tilt the mast backward just enough to stabilize the load. Forks on a lift truck are adjustable; spread them to fit the load. Normally, the wider the better.

How do you ensure the load is stable?

Check for any overhead objects before lifting or stacking loads. Do not lift or move loads that are not safe or stable. Make sure loads are correctly stacked and positioned across both forks. Make sure the load is evenly balance across both forks.

When a lift truck is turning Is it more stable loaded or unloaded?

How should you raise the load? When a load is raised, the lift truck is less stable. Attend the controls of the forklift truck when a load is elevated. In other words, the operator must stay on the forklift when the load is in a raised position.

Can a forklift tip over backwards?

4 Reasons Why a Forklift Can Tip Over Forwards or Backwards A forward tip over can occur when the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load is exceeded, which can cause the lift to become imbalanced and unstable.

Why do forklifts not tip over?

At the back of every forklift is a counterweight. The size of this counterweight will depend on the capacity of the forklift. The counterweight acts as a balance for the weight being lifted by the truck’s forks. As long as the center of gravity is inside the wheelbase for the vehicle, the forklift won’t tip over.

Which steps should you do every time you park a forklift?

Set the parking brake every time you park the forklift. Make sure you test the parking brake at the beginning of your shift when you do the forklift inspection. While in the driver’s seat, set the parking brake and then put the gear into forward or reverse and step on the accelerator slightly.

What’s the proper way to carry a load on a forklift?

Carrying the load Keep the forks 6 to 10 inches above the ground to avoid potential hazards on the ground. Remember that forklifts are top-heavy. Carry the load low and tilted back. Use caution when carrying a load on an uneven surface; it creates a tip-over hazard.

How tall should Forks be in a forklift?

Keep the forks 6 to 10 inches above the ground to avoid potential hazards on the ground. Remember that forklifts are top-heavy. Carry the load low and tilted back. Use caution when carrying a load on an uneven surface; it creates a tip-over hazard. Don’t carry anything on the overhead guard.

Do you tilt your fork back when carrying a load?

Per OSHA regulations, always tilt forks back when carrying a load. While different loads require unique angles, a slight tilt is all that is needed on most lift trucks to help retain loads when a fast stop is required. Unstable, round, liquid or loose stacked loads may require higher degrees of tilt back. Forks on the ground are a trip hazard.

What happens if a fork is left on the ground?

Unstable, round, liquid or loose stacked loads may require higher degrees of tilt back. Forks on the ground are a trip hazard. However, if the forks are on the ground, you get an opportunity to lift your foot as you trip to recover balance. If a fork tip or heel is left up, a pedestrian stepping over can hook her foot underneath and fall.