4 things to know before you ride electric forklift

23 Nov 2019


4 things to know before you ride electric forklift

The newest trend of every industrial fleet is the increasing use of an electric forklift now the question arises as to why do industrialists feel the need to use an electric forklift (a battery powered forklift truck)? The answer to this question is quite simple and that is electric forklifts are most cost-effective industrial vehicle ever to be invented.

Things which operators must be aware about driving an electric forklift;

  • Forklift operators’ training program- For work safety reasons, an employee must undergo forklift operators’ training program before driving any kind of forklift. This is because the training program teaches and trains every forklift operator how to move with and without loads as well as picking and stacking a load. Employees must really take the training program seriously as it will help them to get a clear idea and confidence to operate a forklift even how to work around forklifts. A training certificate benefits a number of people who are: individuals who need a forklift certificate, forklift operators, forklift operator trainers, warehouse managers, construction site managers, operations managers.
  • Type of Forklift- Operators must understand the nature of forklift i.e., in simple terms; they must have full knowledge regarding the types of forklifts available in the market. An operator must have the answers to these questions; how much load capacity is required to carry, for instance, a 1.5 ton capacity will be sufficient to lift heavy loads if not then they have to go with higher capacity, also determine the height at which they will be loading or unloading products, and frequency of use for the forklift.

4 things to know before you ride electric forklift

  • Measure the aisles - To maneuver a forklift in aisles, it is required to first measure the area. For example, for an area of 11-12ft clearance, a normal standard forklift would do. But if it is for a narrow area which is less than 11 ft then in that case operators are asked to drive a 3-wheel forklift or a stand-up reach truck.
  • Check Forklift Parts- The most basic thing to do before riding a forklift truck is to check all the parts carefully. Check whether forklift specifications meet as per the operating requirement, is there any forklift load chart available, are the forks in proper shape, look for any cracks or bends, are the tires in good condition, are they properly inflated, is the battery fully charged, is there sufficient fuel and so on. This makes the operation much more convenient and easy in the industrial fleet and ensures efficiency in production.

Before driving an electric forklift it is of paramount importance that operators possess correct information regarding forklift vehicles. By doing so, they will be able to ride comfortably without any fear of unfortunate events in a warehouse.