PICKING UP LOAD.

c. Move the direction shift lever from N (neutral) to

i. Always reduce speed gradually, as sudden stops

F (forward) or R (reverse) position, depending on desired

are unnecessarily hard on the truck and the load may fall

direction.

forward.

d. Place foot on the accelerator pedal and release

4-33.

STEERING.

the parking brake lever.

Gradually depress the

accelerator pedal until truck begins to travel. Continue to

a. Make turns smoothly and gradually. Avoid sudden

depress the accelerator pedal until safe operating speed

turns which may cause loss of control or spilling the load.

is attained. If the truck fails to move, shut off engine

immediately and report this to the proper authority.

b. A loaded fork truck usually steers easier than an

empty one. The truck operator should accustom himself

4-32.

PICKING UP LOAD.

to these changes in steering.

a. Approach the load squarely and halt the truck.

c. Don't go around corners too fast, especially

Move the tilt control lever forward and bring the mast

when there is no load on forks, as truck may overturn.

assembly to the vertical position. Raise or lower the

forks to the proper height to pick up the load.

d. When turning sharp corners, start from the

inside corner rather than from the middle of the aisle.

NOTE

e. Operators should note that with rear steering,

Never under any circumstances

the rear of the truck swings out on turns. Take care to

attempt to operate a fork lift truck

allow for this characteristic when near potential

with a load so heavy that steering

obstacles, edge of loading dock, etc.

Practice

becomes uncertain.

maneuvering in a clear area until familiar with truck

response to travel controls.

b. Move the truck forward until the forks are

positioned under the load. Make certain the forks are

f. Avoid steering when truck is standing still. The

fully inserted in the pallet or under the load.

slightest travel speed will make steering much easier,

and reduce wear on tires and steering linkage.

NOTE

If the load is placed out near the tips

4-34.

DEPOSITING LOAD.

of the forks, the rated capacity of the

truck will be greatly reduced. This

a. Depositing Load on Tiered Stack.

procedure is especially important

with long loads, to prevent loss of

(1) Move the lift control lever to the rear and

traction on the trailing wheels.

accelerate the engine until the load reaches the desired

height above the tier.

c. Apply the parking brake to prevent the truck from

shifting position during the lifting operation.

(2) Drive the truck forward until the load is

above its resting place. To slowly maneuver the truck

d. Move the direction shift lever to N (neutral).

forward while high engine speed is needed, use the

braking and inching pedal.

e. Move the lift control lever to the rear and

accelerate the engine to raise the load only high enough

(3) Pull up on the parking brake lever to apply

to clear obstructions while traveling. Do not carry loads

the parking brake.

so high as to cause instability. Release the lift control

lever. Move the tilt control level backward to tilt the forks

(4) Move the direction shift lever to N (neutral)

backward. Release the lever and decelerate the engine.

position. Move the tilt control lever forward and tilt the

forks forward until the load is aligned with the tier.

f. Move the direction shift lever from N (neutral)

position to the proper position for the desired direction of

(5) Move the lift control lever forward and

travel.

carefully lower the load into position on the tier. Continue

to lower the forks until they can be easily withdrawn from

g. Release the parking brake lever, depress the

the pallet.

accelerator pedal, and move the load to the desired

location.

(6) Move the direction shift lever to R (reverse)

position. Release the parking brake lever, and slowly

h. Back the fork lift truck down steep inclines so

back the truck away from the tiered stack until the forks

that the load will not slip off the forks.

are clear.