OPERATING PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES

TM 10-3930-623-12

4-55. STARTING THE FORK LIFT TRUCK. Start the

4-59. SHUTTLE TYPE OPERATION WITH POWER

engine of the truck as follows:

SHAFTING.

For additional speed in shuttle type

1. Position shift lever in NEUTRAL (center of fore

operations, the operator can go from forward to reverse

and aft travel) position. Shift lever must be in NEUTRAL

without bringing his truck to a stop with the brakes. This

to close neutral safety switch and complete starter

power shifting procedure enables the operator to shift

circuit.

into the opposite direction at the precise time that

2. Draw out engine choke control fully.

reverse movement is desired. As a result, in many

3. Turn on ignition switch (figure 1-12).

operations, loading or unloading can be accomplished in

4. Press starter button on instrument housing to

less time, since delays due to shifting are avoided. By

crank engine until it starts, while holding throttle slightly

power shifting, the expert operator can snatch loads

open with accelerator pedal.

without using his brakes as follows:

5. As soon as engine starts, push choke control back

1. Have forks correctly spaced for pallet.

in as far as possible without causing rough running of

2. Approach pallet with forks at correct height to

the engine. As the engine warms up, return choke

enter pallet. As forks enter pallet, shift into reverse

control to fully in position. It is required only in starting

direction.

and possibly during engine warmup.

3. Just as vehicle reverses, operate hoist lever

momentarily.

4. Truck will stop, pick up load and then reverse

NOTE

smoothly and quickly.

If engine cannot be started in fifteen

5. With practice. the operator can determine the

seconds

cranking

effort,

precise moment to power shift and operate hoist controls

discontinue trying to start it and

for a smooth loading and reversal.

determine the reason for failure to

start. Section V contains a list of the

most commonly met service troubles

4-60. GENERAL LOADING AND DRIVING PROCEDURES.

4-61. LOADING. Observe the following procedures and

and remedies.

Refer to this list

precautions:

before requesting assistance from a

1. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to

higher maintenance level.

6. When engine starts, note that oil pressure gage on

operate a fork lift truck with a load so heavy that steering

instrument cluster indicates at least 35 pounds pressure.

becomes uncertain.

If pressure is low or erratic, stop engine immediately and

2. The forks should be positione d so that load is

check oil level.

centered.

7. To stop engine, turn off ignition switch.

3. Spread the forks apart when carrying wide loads.

4. Never attempt to use one fork only to lift a load.

Using one fork may twist, strain or permanently damage

4-56. OPERATING PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES.

4-57. SHIFTING. Shifting from forward to reverse or

the truck.

reverse to forward is accomplished by moving the

5. Make sure that the load is placed as far back on

transmission shift lever in the direction the operator

the forks as possible. If the load is placed out near the

wishes to travel. The vehicle can be power shifted from

tips of the forks, the rated capacity of the truck will be

forward to reverse or vice versa. It is not necessary to

greatly reduced. This procedure is especially important

bring the truck to a complete stop to perform forward-

with long loads, to prevent loss of traction on the trailing

reverse shifting operation.

wheels.

4-58. SERVICE BRAKES AND INCHING CONTROL.

6. Do not tilt load out beyond vertical position of mast

Inching control provides a convenient method of either

when elevated.

partially or completely disengaging engine power from

7. Always tilt the mast back to cradle the load before

the drive axle to obtain high engine rpm for rapid lifting

hoisting it.

speeds while inching the vehicle. Two service brake

8. If the load is not on a pallet or is round in shape,

pedals, on a common shaft and located for either left or

tilt the mast out, and slide the forks under the load, then

right foot operation operate the inching valve. The

tilt mast in before hoisting.

operator can use his left foot for operating the inching

9. When hoisting or tilting, shift into neutral, or apply

control and brake, and his right foot to accelerate the

inching control.

engine for high speed lifting. The first part of the brake

pedal stroke controls inching. Depressing pedal reduces

oil pressure to the clutches. Further depressing of the

pedal cuts off oil pressure and actuates the service

brakes.

4-11