Lifting a Palletized Load

TM 10-3930-644-14&P

Stability of the truck is achieved by placing the load

CAUTION

close to the fulcrum (near the face of the forks). Each lift

If the load is so bulky that vision is

truck is rated for specific load capacity at a given lead

obstructed, drive in reverse. Extra

center, usually at 24-inches. When various attachments

care must be taken when driving in

or special masts are added, the load capacity and load

reverse because the operator does

center either increases or decreases, depending on the

not have a constant view of the load.

size and weight of the special mast or attachment. The

2. Traveling

load capacity of the lift truck should never be exceeded.

a. With heavy loads on the forks, steering is

Overloading the lift truck will: (1) be a hazard to the

easier because the weight on the steer

safety of others; (2) endanger other material; (3) damage

wheels is shifted forward.

the truck.

b. Obey all speed limit signs. If no speed

limits are posted, travel at the safest

The following procedures are suggested to aid in

speed that conditions allow.

operating your Allis-Chalmers lift truck. These are basic

procedures that can be adapted to most load handling

c. Always watch in the direction of intended

operations.

travel.

d. When ascending an incline, travel with

1. Lifting a Palletized Load

load leading (Fig 4-6).

a. Position the lift truck squarely in front of

e. Travel with the load trailing

when

the load (Fig 4-5).

descending an incline (Fig 4-7).

b. Raise forks to the proper level, half way

between the upper and lower members of

the pallet. Watch for low-hanging pipes or

electrical lines.

c. With the mast in a vertical position and the

forks parallel to the floor, slowly insert the

forks into the pallet until the load rests

against the fork faces. Unless the mast is

vertical, the forks may hang up when they

are inserted.

d. Lift the load Just enough to clear the stack

(or floor) beneath the load being removed.

Then tilt the mast back enough to safely

travel with the load.

Figure 4-6. Ascending an Incline

Figure 4-5. Palletized Load Handling

e. Back the truck slowly away from the stock

pile and when clear of all obstacles, lower

the load. The load should always be

carried as low as possible for maximum

stability and vision. Maximum back tilt

tends to cradle the load and prevent it

from sliding off the forks when stopping.

Figure 4-7. Descending an Incline

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